After the last two years as Social Traders CEO, Mike McKinstry has decided that it’s time in his career to retire. The Board respect Mike’s decision at this point in his life and thank him for his contribution to Social Traders.

Following Mike’s retirement, the Board is delighted to announce that Tara Anderson has been appointed as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Currently the Executive Director of Strategy & Growth at Social Traders and a member of the leadership team, the Board are confident that Tara will bring continuity to the role through her strong knowledge of Social Traders operations and relationships across the social enterprise sector.

Tara brings significant international experience across social enterprise, charities, and for-purpose intermediaries in the UK, Europe and Australia. Tara’s career has spanned strategy, business development, innovation, marketing and cross-sector collaboration at executive and Board level. She has led large scale collaborations, designed and implemented organisational-wide strategies for growth and diversification, and repositioned brands for increased impact.

Social Traders Chair, Sally Powell said: “The Board of Social Traders is delighted to appoint Tara Anderson as the organisation’s third Chief Executive. Our Board was inspired by Tara’s passion, advocacy of the social enterprise sector and strong alignment with Social Traders’ values and aspirations. Tara is an outstanding visionary leader who brings extensive international experience that will support our dedicated team to grow the Australian social enterprise sector.

“It is an exciting time to position social enterprise as a unique solution to our nation’s current economic and workforce challenges. Australians are increasingly expecting more socially responsible strategies from government and the business community, and social procurement provides that sustainable solution for a more inclusive and equitable Australia. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Tara leading the organisation at this important time.”

Commenting on the appointment, Tara said: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the Board to lead Social Traders in its next phase of development. I have always been energised by the opportunities that are unlocked by the social enterprise model – using business to create social impact. With the social enterprise sector in Australia maturing rapidly, and the business world increasingly focused on its responsibility to communities and the environment, it’s a great time to be at the frontier of social procurement and social enterprise development. I’m excited to continue working with the exceptional Social Traders team, our members and our partners, to make social enterprise and social procurement business as usual.”

Mike will leave Social Traders in October. Mike commented that: “It has been a pleasure and delight to work with the Board and all of the Social Traders team over the last two years. From a personal point of view, it now feels time to enjoy the next stage in my life.”

Sally said: “Together with a loyal and dedicated team, Mike has led the continued growth and awareness of social procurement that is delivering social impact through jobs, skills and training along with profound levels of community impact. Our Board farewells Mike and extends our sincere thanks for all that he has contributed to the organisation. Mike leaves a strong foundation for Tara to advance our mission to grow and develop the Australian social enterprise sector.”