19th July 2023

Taylor Bennett Foundation announce that Melissa Lawrence will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer in July 2023 after four and a half years.

Melissa Lawrence will be stepping down at the end of July as Chief Executive of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, after four and a half years in the role.

During Melissa’s time as Chief Executive, she has overseen significant change in the charity, including successfully growing the charity’s income, reach, impact and growing the team. Her approach saw the Foundation develop new programmes including Step into PR, Elevate and in partnership with the CIPR, a BME Reverse Mentoring scheme. All of which has enabled the Foundation to offer a wider variety of opportunities for ethnically diverse candidates coming into the industry.

Melissa said: “I have absolutely loved my time at Foundation. This was my first CEO role and I have learnt so much. I’m proud of everything that has been achieved during my time at the Foundation and I’m pleased to leave the charity in a great place. I know with the continued support of the industry; the Foundation will go from strength to strength. I want to extend my thanks to everyone who has made my time at the Foundation so special – talented young people, TBF alumni, a supportive network of employers, trustees and of course a wonderfully committed team.” 

Sarah Pinch, Chair of Trustees said:

“The board and I thank Melissa for the work she has done alongside the trustees as we continue to grow. We will now start the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive to take the Foundation forward and grow our programmes, our impact and change the lives of more ethnically diverse young people.”