Aspen UK is a charity that supports and inspires people to build a better society.
About Us
Aspen UK is a charity that supports and inspires people to build a better society. We are creating a community of leaders who are more aware of their own values, more tolerant of others’ perspectives, and more inspired to drive positive change. We believe that better dialogue is key to repairing political, social and cultural divisions. We bring together a wide range of people through our programmes and events to learn from each other and to find meaningful solutions to critical issues.
Our vision is for a more open and inclusive society in the United Kingdom.
Aspen UK is part of a global network of Aspen Institutes, which for over 70 years have inspired and empowered leaders around the world. We are creating one of the largest networks in the UK of leaders from different sectors, backgrounds, and viewpoints, who value different experiences and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Our areas of expertise:
• Leadership – supporting and developing values-based leadership
• Exchanging ideas – providing an open forum for respectful dialogue
• Networks – building networks of people with diverse perspectives
• Diversity – bringing together leaders from different geographies, communities, socio-economic backgrounds and sectors to help bridge the divisions in the UK
• Engagement – encourage inclusive, nonpartisan participation across the UK
“The Aspen seminar didn’t only help me to revisit and rethink the values shaping my environment, but it also provided a space for an inspiring and fun exchange of ideas.”
Rita Dayoub
Health in conflicts specialist and Academy Fellow at Chatham House
ASPEN UK STAFF, TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS
Olly Chapman
Olivier (Olly) Chapman is the Director of Aspen Institute UK, developing impactful leadership initiatives and programmes that inspire leaders from across all sectors of society.
Toby Coppel
Toby Coppel (Senior Advisor) is a co-founder and partner at Mosaic Ventures, a European venture capital firm focused on early-stage investing. Toby has been investing
Charlotte Dean
Charlotte Dean is Aspen UK’s part-time Finance Manager. Charlotte previously worked at the Institute of Masters of Wine for 8 years and comes to Aspen
Marisa Drew
Marisa Drew (Senior Advisor) is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered Bank. At Standard Chartered, Ms Drew chairs the Group Sustainability Forum, drives the
Elliot Gerson
Elliot Gerson (Aspen Advisor) is the executive vice president at the Aspen Institute responsible for its Policy Programmes, its Public Programmes and its relations with
Laura Lauder
Laura Lauder (Aspen Advisor) is a venture philanthropist in Silicon Valley, focused on leadership, education, and Jewish community areas. She joined her husband Gary in
Zelmira Koch Polk
Zelmira Koch Polk (Senior Advisor) is the managing director of the Hearth Advisors, a global education and healthcare advisory firm. Zelmira specialises in company turnaround,
Pierre Mercier
Pierre Mercier (Aspen UK Vice-Chair) is a Managing Director and Senior Partner of the BCG (The Boston Consulting Group) which he joined in 2001 in
Penny Richards
Penny Richards is a Senior Advisor and Trustee of the Aspen Institute in the UK. She was the founder CEO of Aspen UK, building it from a
Nizam Uddin OBE
Nizam Uddin OBE (Senior Advisor) is Chief Strategy Officer of algbra, a technology-based financial ecosystem dedicated to global financial inclusion by focusing on the underserved
Ed Williams
Ed Williams is Chair of the board of Aspen UK. Ed leads the 28-country Edelman business outside the United States and has worked at the
Isi Williams
Isi Williams is the Programme and Communications Manager at Aspen UK. Before joining the organisation, she worked in a non-partisan advocacy role, interacting closely with
“Leaders are increasingly confronted with moral dilemmas not technocratic problems. These seminars address head on these moral questions, providing structured space for reflection, and help individuals to understand their own moral compass. It’s a life changing experience.”
Sir Stuart Etherington
Chief Executive, The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)