Managing Director

The Economist; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A globally renowned non-profit organization is seeking a Managing Director to oversee its strategic direction and operations. The ideal candidate will bring significant executive experience and a proven capacity for operational leadership in complex environments. This role emphasizes collaboration across multiple stakeholders, guiding key transformation initiatives, and ensuring financial sustainability. The position is based in London, requiring global travel as necessary.

Qualifications

• Significant senior executive experience as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, or similar.
• Proven record in complex, international, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Fluency in English; additional languages advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Foundation’s strategic direction and operations.
• Manage finances, human resources, and communications.
• Guide transformation programs and ensure financial sustainability.

Skills

Senior executive experience

Strategy and transformation guidance

Operational leadership

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management

Inclusive leadership style

Job description

The IFRS Foundation is a globally renowned, independent non‑profit organisation supporting transparency and efficiency of global capital markets. Established in 2001, the Foundation’s mission is to develop – in the public interest – high‑quality, understandable, enforceable and globally accepted standards for general purpose financial reporting. Its standards – set by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) – have become the international language of corporate reporting. The standards result in decision‑useful information for investors, are cost‑effective for companies and are enforceable by regulators worldwide.

The IFRS Foundation is seeking to appoint a new Managing Director. Reporting to the Chair of the Trustees, the Managing Director will serve as the principal executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational management and overall performance of the Foundation. (The Chairs and members of the IASB and the ISSB are responsible for standard‑setting.) The Managing Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Foundation’s resources, structures and support systems are optimised to advance its public interest mission and to enable the IASB and the ISSB to deliver on their global mandates.

The Managing Director’s role scope includes leading a high‑performing group of executives and fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, diversity and continuous improvement. The role encompasses responsibility for all central operational functions, including finance, human resources, revenue generation, communications, legal, governance and technology. A key focus will be to guide the Foundation’s ongoing transformation programme, drive operational excellence and ensure financial sustainability through robust funding and effective resource allocation.

The Managing Director will work closely with the Chair of the Trustees, Trustee Committee Chairs, and the Chairs and Vice‑Chairs of the IASB and the ISSB, developing strategic plans and transformation initiatives for the Foundation. The role also involves supporting the work and agendas of the Trustees, serving as secretary to the Trustees’ Executive Committee, and acting as a key liaison to the Monitoring Board and other international policy bodies.

Candidates should offer significant senior executive experience, ideally as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer or Head of Central Functions, with a proven record of leading in complex, international and multi‑stakeholder environments. Demonstrated success in guiding strategy, transformation, operational leadership, talent management and operating collaboratively with peers (in this case the standard‑setting board Chairs) is essential. The role requires outstanding interpersonal, diplomatic and stakeholder management skills, as well as a collaborative, inclusive leadership style and high integrity. Fluency in English is required; additional languages and international experience are advantageous. The position is based in London, with global travel as needed.