Big Issue appoints Jamie MacLeod as its first Director General

Big Issue Holdings has today (Thursday 13 February) appointed its first director general to lay the foundations for its long-term future.

Jamie MacLeod has spent nearly 40 years in the wealth management sector and most recently was CEO of leading wealth management group Bordier & Cie (UK) plc which he left in July 2024.

MacLeod will work with Lord John Bird MBE, co-founder of Big Issue and Big Issue Invest, Nigel Kershaw OBE, co-founder of Big Issue Invest, and the group’s senior management board on a part-time basis.

MacLeod commented: “I am deeply honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal moment in society. The mission of Big Issue resonates with my personal and professional values, and I am committed to supporting meaningful impact alongside Big Issue’s very talented teams and partners.

“The challenges we face are significant, but so too is the opportunity to create lasting change. I look forward to applying my experience in investment management and other industries to further support Big Issue.

“The Big Issue has fabulous subsidiary businesses such as Big Issue Invest, Big Issue Impact Advisory and co-founding The Big Exchange, which I have engaged with over the last 12 years, alongside its globally renowned magazine which helps support around 4000 vendors ever week.”

Nigel Kershaw, Chair of the Big Issue Group, added: “I have known Jamie for a long time, and we’re really pleased he will be supporting our efforts with investors and partners. His entrepreneurial experience aligns perfectly with how Big Issue, our investment arm Big Issue Invest and joint venture The Big Exchange are seeking to create change.

“I am pleased to announce that Jamie has been appointed as Director General of BIG Holdings. With over 28 years of experience as a CEO in the financial sector and a deep passion for social impact, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to our mission of dismantling poverty.”

In 2018, McLeod co-created his own initiative to support homeless former military veterans to get into employment. MacLeod’s background will be invaluable as the Big Issue Group continues to grow and create impact for the 16 million people in Britain living in poverty.

He will focus on long-term high-level strategy, external representation, and supporting our efforts with attract investors and partners.

The Big Issue Group is a social enterprise whose mission is to create social and economic opportunities for people trapped in poverty. It is most famous for its globally recognised street paper, the Big Issue, which has been sold on Britain’s high streets since 1991. It offers its vendors – people living in extreme poverty – the opportunity to earn a legitimate income, by buying magazines for £2 and selling them to the public for £4, keeping the difference.