London, 9 May 2024 – Resilience First, the world’s largest business network setting the standard for resilience leadership in the private sector, is pleased to announce that current Resilience First Chair and Board Director, Rick Cudworth, has stepped into the role of Executive Director, with effect from 1st of May.
Rick has been Chair of Resilience First since February 2023 and has played a pivotal role in driving the network’s growth and impact. Current Interim Executive Director, Seth Schultz, will remain on the Resilience First Board and work closely with Rick to expand the strength of the Board.
“I’m delighted to be stepping into this new role at Resilience First and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a dynamic global organisation making a real impact in the business community. I look forward to continuing our mission of supporting companies and organisations in becoming more resilient through a whole-of-system and whole-of-society approach. We will continue to build on key areas of work, including our programmes and initiatives around climate and organisational resilience, and we will also be announcing new strategic partnerships and offerings to further enhance our impact – watch this space for these exciting developments,” said Rick Cudworth.
“I am thrilled to have Rick take on the role of Executive Director and lead Resilience First toward continued success. Rick’s commitment to building the resilience capabilities of companies and leaders across the private sector, and particularly his expertise on organisational resilience, is a huge asset for Resilience First and our members,” said Seth Schultz. “I look forward to remaining on the Board and working with Rick and other key stakeholders to expand our reach and impact.”
Resilience First works with more than 600 members around the world to embed resilience across all facets of the private sector and support businesses in navigating and thriving in today’s increasingly complex and uncertain landscape. By fostering a collaborative approach, Resilience First aims to strengthen the resilience of its members and contribute to the overall resilience of society.
Stay engaged with Resilience First through upcoming events, including a webinar led by Zurich, Marsh McLennan and HSBC on how businesses can become more resilient in a turbulent world on 21 May, a suite of London Climate Action Week events including a discussion with Emma Howard Boyd on London’s Climate Resilience Report on 25 June, and an evening with Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli on building a resilient global city on the 17 July. Additionally, explore Resilience First’s recently released reports, which provide valuable insights into resilience strategies and best practices.
If you are interested in joining Resilience First, please get in touch.
Leadership Bios
Rick Cudworth
Rick is a senior advisor in organisational resilience and strategic risk mitigation and is a founding partner of resilience and crisis specialists ResilienC. With over 20 years’ experience as a Partner at Deloitte and KPMG, he was also Chair of the British Standards Institution Technical Committee for Continuity and Resilience, where he has been influential in the development of British and International Standards in the field. He is a member of the Cabinet Office Behavioural Science Expert Group as part of the National Security Risk Assessment process for the UK, and a visiting professor at King’s College London and visiting fellow at Cranfield University School of Management. He was a contributor and co-editor of the National Preparedness Commission’s report: Resilience Reimagined: A Practical Guide for Organisations.
Visit Rick’s LinkedIn profile here.
About Seth Schultz
Seth Schultz is Chief Executive of Resilience First’s partner, Resilience Rising. He has a long track record of building consensus and initiating change in the field of sustainable development and raising international awareness on the role of cities in tackling climate change. With over 20 years of experience, Seth is driven by the urgent need to tackle climate change with innovative and transformative action. He has worked with leading organizations in this space and sits on various boards and advisory councils. Seth is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer, has authored numerous articles, reports, papers and thought leadership pieces around the world. He has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Binghamton University.
Visit Seth’s LinkedIn profile here.