Joe Murphy has today been appointed CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. He succeeds Jonquil Hackenberg, who joined two years ago to lead the Foundation through a period of transformation and is now stepping down.
The Foundation is moving from that period of transformation into the delivery of its strategy. Under Jonquil's leadership, the Foundation has defined a clear strategy, strengthened its leadership team, and expanded its Board, laying the groundwork it needs to move from setting direction to delivering at scale.
Joe joined the Foundation over a decade ago. In that time he has helped build its global network and define the strategy he will now lead. His focus is delivering that strategy and growing the Foundation's impact, in pursuit of its mission to accelerate the transition to a circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature..
Ellen MacArthur, Founder and Chair of Trustees of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said:
I am enormously grateful to Jonquil for her commitment to the Foundation. She has reset our strategic direction and reenergised the organisation.
I'd like to congratulate Joe on his appointment. I have worked closely with him for the last 10 years, and I have total confidence in his ability to lead the organisation during this period. He will be supported by our outstanding and proven team.
Our direction is set, and we are very excited about this next phase of delivery."
Joe Murphy, interim CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said:
The Foundation has a key role to play in accelerating the transition to a circular economy: convening the right partners around the right opportunities, with ambition and pace. The work ahead is delivery.
Jonquil's leadership has been transformative. The strategic shift toward implementation she championed leaves us with clear focus and strong foundations.
I'm excited to be leading an organisation I passionately believe in and to work with our partners to turn that momentum into action that scales."
Jonquil Hackenberg, outgoing CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said:
It has been an absolute pleasure to lead the Foundation over the last two years in a key phase of its evolution and strategy. My work here is done, and the time is right to hand things on for execution into the brilliant hands of Joe Murphy. I wish this incredible and unique team huge success for the future."
During her time with the Foundation, Jonquil streamlined the strategy around three missions, Critical Minerals, Plastics and Packaging, and Fashion and Textiles, all underpinned by Policy. She will support the handover until the end of July.
Joe will take on the role on an interim basis while the Board runs an open process to confirm a permanent appointment over the coming year. With the strategy set and the team in place, the focus now is delivery.
