Pilotlight announces CEO change

Pilotlight, a skills-based volunteering charity, announced that its chief executive officer, Ed Mayo, will be stepping down. The board of trustees has appointed Lisa Pearce as the new CEO, starting in October 2025.

During Mayo's five years as CEO, Pilotlight has doubled the number of skilled volunteers that it deploys and grown its income by 42%. He has also been an influential voice in support of voluntary sector co-operation, co-founding the UK Pro Bono Association to bring together organisations promoting skills-based volunteering.

"It has been the privilege of my life for us to have supported 803 charities over my time, working with the talented team at Pilotlight” said Mayo. “I am confident that Lisa is the perfect successor to widen the impact of our work at a time when it is most needed.”

Pearce brings a wealth of experience to the role. She is currently the interim CEO at Gingerbread and is a member of the World Para Sports Unit Board.

Lisa Pearce added: “I’m honoured to be joining Pilotlight as its next Chief Executive. At a time when social needs are rising and resources are stretched, Pilotlight’s work has never been more vital. I’m excited to lead the organisation into its next phase building on Ed’s legacy, unlocking new collaborations, and amplifying our impact across the UK and beyond.”

Mayo will continue to lead the organisation through to October 2025 to ensure a smooth and effective transition.



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