iSE announce the appointment of its new CEO.

Our neighbouring social enterprise development organisation ISE announce thir appointment of a new CEO.

Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs (iSE) a leading social enterprise organisation specialising in growing the social economy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Zel Mason as its new CEO.

Zel joins iSE with an impressive track record of driving positive change and sustainability in both the public, private and social business sectors with an emphasis on excellence and equality.

Previously Zel was Co-CEO of The Architech Club where she successfully secured seed investment and created new service offers and strategic vision for company growth. As Investment Analyst for the Social Enterprise Investment Fund, Zel developed high quality investments, managing a £100m fund to stimulate the development of social enterprise in the delivery of health and social care in the UK.

Zel joins iSE with an understanding of the social economy sector and a passion for community development, having been involved in many not-for-profit community organisations as a consultant, developing and implementing strategy for Arts programmes and securing local assets through the development of community cinema.

Zel also brings her solid expertise in tech; as a known leader in the Salesforce ecosystem she has helped businesses across industries to find the right solutions to deliver growth, leading to a position on the first ever Salesforce Equality Board.

Asked about her new role, Zel says; “I’m keen to return to a role that is focused on both winning business strategies and improving the social economy. With climate change and social justice in the spotlight across the world, there is an opportunity right now for all businesses to improve their social value and support social enterprises. I look forward to engaging with a wide variety of entrepreneurs to evolve the sector.”

Zel is known for fostering a collaborative culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and creativity; her background as a Diversity and Equality expert for the public sector, rooted in her own diverse background, will amplify iSE’s commitment to promoting inclusion in the social economy sector.

“We are delighted to welcome Zel Mason as our new CEO,” said Steve Harding, Chairman of the Board at iSE.

“Zel’s extensive experience and track record of achievement make her the ideal leader to guide iSE through its next phase of growth. We extend our thanks to Cathy Brown, who has led iSE over the past two years which have been critical for our organisation and sector as a whole”.

Zel’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for iSE as it emerges into a period of growth, building on its reputation as a trusted provider of social enterprise support.

As CEO, Zel will be responsible for guiding iSE’s strategic direction and expansion into new markets to create social impact in even more communities in the West Midlands and beyond, fostering greater innovation, and promoting sustainability.