Louise Parkes, CEO of GOSH Charity, Announced as New Chair of Wenta

Not-for-profit and social enterprise, Wenta, now one of the largest enterprise agencies in England, is delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Parkes, CEO of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, as its new Chair.

Louise Parkes brings extensive experience from her leadership at GOSH Charity, where she has overseen major fundraising initiatives, strategic development and sector-leading partnerships. Her background spans senior roles in the charity and membership sectors, with a track record in organisational transformation, income growth and championing innovation. Over the past 20 years, Louise has worked within the voluntary sector, with some of the UKs best known charity brands including Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Barnardo’s and Shelter. Prior to the appointment, Louise has been a Non-Executive Director of Wenta’s Board for the past 6 years.

Commenting on the new appointment, Louise said:
“I’m honoured to be joining Wenta at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Wenta’s mission to make it simpler and more accessible for anyone to start and run a business is incredibly important, especially in today’s changing environment. I look forward to working with the team, partners and communities to help shape the next exciting phase of Wenta’s national impact.”

Wenta has also appointed Graham Lane, previously Interim Chair of Wenta and the CEO of leading IT company, Cheeky Munkey, as their new Vice Chair.  Graham has provided stability and leadership as Interim Chair and brings deep commercial and digital expertise from his role as CEO of Cheeky Munkey, supporting Wenta’s ongoing transformation.

Graham said:
“I’m proud to continue supporting Wenta in this next chapter, working alongside Louise, the Wenta Board and wider team.  Together, we are committed to strengthening and growing Wenta’s reach and impact, ensuring the organisation continues to break barriers and support more people and their businesses for the decades to come.”

Ed Jordan, CEO of Wenta, said:
“We are so pleased to have Louise join as Chair and for Graham to continue supporting Wenta as Vice Chair. Their combined experience in charity leadership, digital innovation and organisational growth is exactly what Wenta needs as we continue to evolve and expand our services both locally in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London as well as nationally. Their guidance will be invaluable as we shape the future of enterprise support in the UK.”

This announcement comes at a defining moment for Wenta as it progresses major strategic developments. This includes The DomeWorks, a unique, forthcoming innovation and enterprise hub in Watford, set to become Hertfordshire’s flagship home for enterprise, and the launch of Wenta’s new website, which will act as the leading online destination for practical and helpful business support, designed to make it easier, greener and more accessible for people across the UK to start and grow their own business.

Wenta remains committed to its 42 year+ mission of supporting people looking to re-skill and re-train in new areas to support their confidence, health and economic wellbeing. Whether that be entrepreneurs, small business owners or local communities, these leadership appointments will strengthen its ability to deliver long-term, sustainable impact.