Rebecca Drew Joins Vistage as UK & Ireland MD
Vistage, the global champion of business performance and leadership growth, has just hired Rebecca Drew as its new Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. She steps into the role at a time when small‑to‑medium enterprises (SMEs) are feeling the pinch of waning economic confidence.
Why Rebecca’s Tendency for Scaling Matters
- Over 20 years of leading mentorship programs at Chief and LinkedIn.
- Expert in turning chaotic org dynamics into clear, growth‑oriented outcomes.
- Ready to roll out bespoke mentorship that keeps UK and Irish SMEs on a winning track.
Economic Confidence – The Numbers Talk
Just last quarter, Vistage’s index revealed a steep slide in SME CEO confidence, dropping from 107.1 to 91.4. 69% of businesses say the economy’s worse overall, while 55% anticipate this trend continuing for the next year. Only half (54%) feel upbeat about profitability in 2025.
In response, mentorship demand has jumped 20% year‑over‑year, as organisations brace for tighter finances and shifting market pressures. 72% of leaders plan to hire more people in 2025 to strengthen their talent pool.
Rebecca’s Mission
With the economy in flux, Rebecca will craft Vistage initiatives that shield and support the UK and Irish SMEs most in trouble. Her responsibilities include:
- Launching tailored mentorship solutions.
- Forging strategic partnerships.
- Enhancing resources for SME leaders across the region.
“I’m thrilled to join Vistage at this moment of rapid growth, especially when our members need us the most,” Rebecca said. “Mentorship is the lifeline that lets businesses reach their full potential, particularly during rocky times. Our latest report shows a sharp drop in confidence among SME CEOs—many worry about revenue and profit outlooks. That’s why our work is so vital: we equip leaders to adapt, survive, and thrive. I’m confident we’ll keep driving growth and nurture a culture of resilience and innovation,” she added.
About Vistage
Founded in 1957, Vistage has helped over 45,000 executives in 40 countries with personalized and impactful mentorship programs. It boasts a network of seasoned mentors focused on measurable results, empowering leaders to sharpen skills, streamline operations, and spark innovation.
Rob Ristagno, President of International Operations: “Rebecca’s appointment comes right when confidence is dipping. Her track record in mentorship and transformation gives us the assurance that businesses will get the support they need to navigate tough times and build resilience for 2025.”
Sam Reese, CEO of Vistage Worldwide: “We’re thrilled to have Rebecca on our global leadership team. Her seasoned experience aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver world‑class executive mentorship. With confidence falling by 15 points in Q4, Rebecca’s expertise in empowering leaders amid adversity is exactly what SMEs need right now.”
