CEO, OPEN FOR BUSINESS
About Open for Business
Open for Business is a coalition of leading global companies promoting LGBTQ+ inclusive societies, particularly in places where LGBTQ+ rights are challenged. These businesses share a deep-rooted commitment to diversity and inclusion in their own workplaces, and they are concerned about the growth of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in many countries in which they operate.
Open for Business seeks to leverage the influence of the private sector to advance LGBTQ+ rights. As an impact-focused organisation, it has three programmatic strands. First, the Research Programme presents ground-breaking and data-driven analysis of the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion; second, the Global Influencer Programme raises awareness on high-profile global platforms; third, the Local Influencer Programme builds strong networks of local senior business leaders to advance inclusion in their societies, with teams working in the Caribbean, Central & Eastern Europe, East Africa and South East Asia.
Launched in 2015, Open for Business is an established global advocacy organisation at a pivotal moment of growth and influence. Currently, we are recruiting a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next phase of strategic development, operational excellence and amplify its impact.
CEO Role
The role of Chief Executive Officer serves as the key management leader, responsible for advancing Open for Business’s mission, impact, and visibility on the world stage. They will engage a wide range of partners in the corporate sector and in the LGBTQ+ community around the world. The CEO will represent Open for Business in forging and deepening relationships with global corporations, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic funders. The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of the corporate landscape, particularly as it relates to economic inclusion, global human rights and diversity, equity and inclusion. They will report to and work with the Board of Trustees to refine and deliver the strategy for OFB.
The CEO will bring a track record of leadership in complex, cross-sector environments and will apply this expertise to extend the organisation’s reach, strengthen its financial sustainability, and elevate its influence with senior corporate leaders, funders, policymakers, and LGBTQ+ advocates worldwide. Through the oversight of a high-performing team of permanent staff, contractors, secondees, and research fellows, the CEO will lead the development and delivery of rigorous programmes and original research that underpin the organisation’s advocacy agenda. They will ensure operational efficiency, sound financial management, and a culture of collaboration, ambition, and accountability.
This role is London-based, with international travel, and an expected start date of September 2025.