HCT Group Chief Executive Dai Powell has announced that he will retire later this year, after 29 years in the role. Dai has led the organisation since 1993, growing it by more than a hundredfold from a small community transport organisation into a national social enterprise, as well as being a tireless campaigner for social enterprise as both a movement and as a means of tackling society’s greatest challenges.
“It’s been an incredible journey” said Dai. “I still believe today what I believed nearly 30 years ago. That by combining entrepreneurship with a deep commitment to the most marginalised in our society, it is possible to make a better world.
“HCT Group has always been so much more than me; I’ve just had the privilege to stand at the front. It is the work of huge range of people dedicated to achieving social change and making a real difference to people’s lives. This makes me supremely confident for the Group’s future as I hand over to the next generation. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with HCT Group, past and present, for their support.”
Anthony Ross, HCT Group Treasurer and Trustee said “Dai has not only built a social enterprise of international renown, he has redefined expectations of what social enterprise can achieve. On behalf of HCT Group’s Board of Trustees, we’d like to celebrate all he has accomplished and thank him for his service.”
In line with HCT Group’s succession strategy, Dai’s retirement has been planned for some time enabling a search for a successor to take HCT Group on the next stage of its journey. Lynn McClelland will take on the role as its new CEO
, and will start her role on Monday 27 April to allow time for a seamless handover and transition.
Lynn brings extensive senior leadership experience in the transportation sector, most recently as Director of Worldwide Operations for IAG Cargo, leading a team of 3000 people transporting 1.4 billion tonnes of airfreight a year across 184 locations. Prior to this, she spent a large part of her career at British Airways in a variety of roles, including strategic alliances, country management, and corporate sales and catering.
In addition to her extensive track record in transport, Lynn also has experience in the food and financial services industries, was the Managing Director of a GE Capital business, and has led many change initiatives, including a terminal move for BA at Gatwick airport and a turnaround for a contract catering business.
“HCT Group’s success has always been built on a principle – that to be an effective social enterprise, we must first be an effective commercial enterprise” said Lynn. “I am looking forward to using my skills and experience in running successful businesses to create a positive and lasting social impact in our communities. As HCT Group moves into the next phase, I look forward to leading a team that drives social inclusion, opens up access and tackles loneliness and social isolation.”
Sean Sullivan, Executive Chair of HCT Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Lynn’s experience and stature to HCT Group. Lynn is a proven leader and strategist, with a deep commitment to the Group’s social mission and the expertise to take the organisation on to the next stage of its development.”
