After eight fulfilling, successful, happy, and busy years as the Executive Director of the European Leadership Network I shall be stepping down by the end of this year.
Over these eight years, I and the brilliant ELN team have been privileged substantially to grow the organisation’s membership and policy impact. We have tripled its income and staffing. We have achieved charitable status in England and Wales (No. 1208594) for the Network’s mission of education and conflict resolution, broadly defined. And we have demonstrated that this amazing, unique, diverse, intergenerational, pan-European, non-partisan and very independent Network of experienced and emerging security policy leaders really can help to fill the widening gap between what governments should be doing and are managing to do to help prevent existential conflict in Europe and beyond.
The ELN’s co-founder and Chair, Lord Des Browne, had these kind words to say regarding my departure:
“In his eight years as Director of the European Leadership Network, Sir Adam Thomson, fittingly for the Chief Executive of a leadership organisation has demonstrated the best of leadership. Despite many challenges along the way he has been brave and supportive of the Network, its board of trustees and its staff during a period of formidable growth. The ELN has grown both in size, reputation and impact during his tenure and Sir Adam has fashioned the Network into an organisation that will continue to flourish.
Generously, although he has reasons to justify his leaving sooner, Sir Adam has agreed to stay in post until a successor is found. When that day comes, I will have much more to say about his contribution. For now, I can certainly say that his successor will have much for which to thank him.”
We have begun a broad search process for the next Director. If you are interested, are a security policy practitioner, are European, and are able to base yourself in London or Berlin, please contact ELN Senior HR and Operations Manager Charisse Fallaria for more details. The deadline for applications (CV and cover letter to [email protected]) is 23 September. Interviews and appointment will be in October with a view to the successful candidate starting early in 2025, if not sooner.
The ELN is a full-time job. For my next career, I shall slowly be building a portfolio of roles in security policy, girls’ education, and other areas of interest that give me more time to spend with my wife and family.