Jonathan Kestenbaum to join Five Arrows Limited as Chairman and Chief Executive

NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) today announces that Jonathan Kestenbaum, its Chief Executive will step down from his role at the end of the year to take on Lord Rothschild’s responsibilities as Chairman and Chief Executive of Five Arrows Limited, the investment company controlled by Jacob Rothschild’s family interests. Lord Rothschild will remain on the board of Five Arrows.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir John Chisholm, NESTA’s Chairman says: “Jonathan has done a magnificent job in his five years as Chief Executive. We are always delighted to see our people go on to take up new and exciting challenges. Jonathan will leave behind a vibrant organisation, engaged in many important ground breaking activities. The Board and I thank him sincerely for what he has achieved and wish him all the best in his new position”.

Jonathan Kestenbaum comments: “Working with Lord Rothschild represents an opportunity of a lifetime, and one that I could not turn down. I feel privileged to have worked with some of the most ingenious talent in this country whilst at NESTA. And I am delighted that I hand to my successor an organisation with increased independence and which will continue to have considerable impact”.

Jonathan will be based in St. James’s Place, London upon taking up his new role.

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Notes to Editors:

For any further information, please contact Chani Hirsch in the NESTA Press Office on 020 7438 2601 or Chani.Hirsch@nesta.org.uk or Catherine Anderson on 020 7 438 2609 or Catherine.Anderson@nesta.org.uk

About NESTA

NESTA is the UK’s foremost independent expert on how innovation can solve some of the country’s major economic and social challenges. Its work is enabled by an endowment, funded by the National Lottery, and it operates at no cost to the government or taxpayer.

NESTA is a world leader in its field and carries out its work through a blend of experimental programmes, analytical research and investment in early-stage companies.