Richard Burge
Richard Burge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Richard David Arthur Burge 5 April 1958 |
| Citizenship | United Kingdom |
| Education | Adams' Grammar School Durham University |
| Occupations | Business executive and consultant |
| Employer(s) | British Council Zoological Society of London Countryside Alliance Wilton Park |
| Spouse | Karen Bush |
| Children | 2 |
Richard David Arthur Burge (born 5 April 1958) is a British business executive and independent adviser who has held senior positions in government agencies, charities and the non-profit sector.
After an earlier career with the British Council, he served as the first director-general of the Zoological Society of London from 1995 to 1999. He was subsequently chief executive of the Countryside Alliance until 2003, chief executive of Wilton Park from 2009 to 2017, and finally chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2020 to 2023.
Early life and education
Burge was born in Hong Kong.[1] He was educated at Adams' Grammar School in Newport, Shropshire.[2]
He was the first member of his family to pursue higher education, and graduated from Durham University in 1980.[2]
Career
Early career
Burge taught biology at King Edward's School, Witley from 1980 to 1983, before spending three years as a Commonwealth Research Scholar at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka.[2][3]
He joined the British Council in June 1986 and spent the next nine years in its Overseas Career Service. He served as assistant representative in Lagos, Nigeria, until March 1990.[4] Returning to the United Kingdom, he held a series of posts culminating in three years as head of Africa and Middle East operations. He left the British Council in September 1995.[5]
1995–present
Burge was the first director-general of the Zoological Society of London from 1995 to 1999. During his tenure, he was credited with helping to restore the finances of London Zoo, which had previously faced the threat of closure.[6] He left the society to become chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, a position he held until 2003.[7][8]
From 2003 to 2009, Burge held a portfolio of part-time appointments, including strategy director of the African Parks Foundation and Commissioner for Rural Communities.[9][10]
He was appointed chief executive of Wilton Park, an executive agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, serving from 2009 to 2017. He then served as chief executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council until 2019, and as chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2020 to 2023.[11]
In 2019, Burge co-founded ESG Validation, an independent assessment company focused on environmental, social and governance standards in international trade.[12]
Political career
On 24 March 2022 Burge stood unsuccessfully for election as a Common Councillor for Vintry ward in the City of London.[13]
On 28 May 2024 he was one of 120 "business leaders" who signed a letter expressing support for the Labour Party in the 2024 United Kingdom general election.[14]
Personal life
Burge is married to Karen, a business coach and mentor. They have two children and four grandchildren.[3]
He is a member of the Worshipful Company of World Traders, and was elected junior warden in 2023, senior warden in 2024 and master the following year.[15][16][17]
References
- ↑ MacMath, Terence Handley (3 March 2010). "Interview: Richard Burge, chief executive, Wilton Park". Church Times. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- 1 2 3 "CEO Appointment For ON Richard Burge". Haberdashers' Adams. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- 1 2 "Richard Burge". Worshipful Company of World Traders. Archived from the original on 16 May 2026. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
- ↑ Wyatt, Petronella (20 January 2001). "Gone to Claridge's". The Spectator. 286 (8998): 16–17. ProQuest 201224758.
- ↑ Smith, Michael (31 January 1992). "The problems of selling culture for hard cash: The British Council is "going commercial" to fund its overseas operations". The Daily Telegraph. ProQuest 317043535.
- ↑ Gruner, Peter (8 December 1998). "RSPCA anger as zoo chief takes hunt lobby post". Evening Standard. ProQuest 329268325.
- ↑ Pincher, Harry Chapman (February 1999). "Richard Burge: Though not a participant in field sports himself, the new chief executive of the Countryside Alliance certainly understands them". The Field. 293 (7135): 24–25. ProQuest 1715157025.
- ↑ Clover, Charles (3 December 1998). "Charles Clover talks to the new leader of the Countryside Alliance". The Daily Telegraph. ProQuest 317135406.
- ↑ Johnson, Tim (15 May 2005). "Out of Africa". The Burlington Free Press. ProQuest 439812568.
- ↑ McKie, Robin (21 March 2007). "Rural communities: Can bio-fuels transform the rural economy?". The Guardian.
- ↑ Watkins, James (6 October 2023). "LCCI Leadership Transition" (Press release). London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
- ↑ Manders, Shannon (25 September 2019). "New independent ESG assessment organisation enters market". Global Trade Review. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
- ↑ "City of London Election Results". www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. City of London Corporation. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
- ↑ Green, Daniel (28 May 2024). "Watch and read Rachel Reeves' speech today – and read full list of 120 business leaders backing Labour". LabourList. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ↑ "Election Dinner". Worshipful Company of World Traders. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
- ↑ "Installation Dinner 2024". Worshipful Company of World Traders. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
- ↑ "Company Officers". Worshipful Company of World Traders. Retrieved 28 August 2026.