Allia Impact, a national organisation catalysing mission-led businesses from start to scale, has announced that Martin Clark will step down as Chief Executive Officer after leading the organisation since its inception in 2018. Martin first joined Allia 30 years ago, founding what is now Allia Foundation, and has played a pivotal role in the organisation's development ever since. Umesh Kumar, currently Head of Venture Support at Allia Impact, will succeed him as CEO, effective 1 August.
Under Martin’s leadership, Allia Impact has grown into a trusted organisation delivering free practical programmes, mentoring and funding to entrepreneurs and mission-led businesses across Cambridge, Peterborough, London, Nottingham and beyond.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead Allia Impact and to work alongside the founders, partners and colleagues who have shaped what this organisation has become,” said Martin Clark, outgoing CEO of Allia Impact. “Looking back, I’m proud of getting the first charitable bond launched in Sheffield in 1999 (and securing Sean Bean’s endorsement!), helping develop our Future Business Centre property portfolio, and bringing modular homes in Cambridge to tackle homelessness. But most of all, I’m proud that Allia Impact is now supporting many hundreds of mission-led start-ups and scale-ups every year, and has a national vision to grow this work even further. I am immensely grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey, and under Umesh’s leadership I genuinely believe the best is yet to come.”
Umesh Kumar steps into the CEO role after leading the Venture Support Team for the past two years. During his tenure, he has led Allia Impact’s expansion into Nottingham, designed new programme offerings and facilitated new partnerships across the UK.
“Martin leaves an incredible legacy and a strong foundation for the future,” said Umesh Kumar. “My ambition is to build on that by reaching more founders, working with more partners and expanding Allia Impact’s reach across the UK.”
Under Umesh’s leadership, Allia Impact will continue to build on its extensive experience of supporting mission-led businesses by expanding their reach across the UK, growing strategic partnerships, producing evidence that strengthens the impact economy and creating more opportunities for founders to start, grow and scale.
Business for Impact will be central to delivering that vision. It is a national community connecting founders, businesses and organisations committed to creating positive social, environmental and economic impact. Bringing together corporates, investors, universities, policymakers and strategic partners, Business for Impact will help Allia Impact widen its reach, deepen collaboration and create more opportunities for founders to start, grow and scale - alongside continued investment in the free training, mentoring and funding support that has defined its work to date.
As Allia Impact enters this next chapter, the opportunity extends well beyond the organisation itself. Those who share this ambition are invited to get involved through Business for Impact as a partner, mentor or programme sponsor.
