Michael Feigelson appointed Executive Director of the Bernard van Leer Foundation

On behalf of the Board of Trustees it is with great pleasure that – following a global search – I can announce that Michael Feigelson has been appointed as Executive Director of the Bernard van Leer Foundation.

Throughout Michael’s career, he has been committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Whether as a street outreach worker on the frontlines serving homeless and working families, a McKinsey & Company consultant, or a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Behaviour, he has always demonstrated dedication and perseverance aimed at shaping the way in which all parts of society engage with our youngest citizens.

Michael originally joined the Foundation as a Programme Officer in 2007. Since that time, we have been able to observe his commitment to our mission as he has risen within the organization first to the positions of Programme Manager and Programme Director and, most recently, to his role as Interim Executive Director. Over this seven-year period, Michael has brought vision, determination and strategic thinking to the Foundation, increasing our impact in young children’s lives.

As the new father of a baby girl, Michael is now living our mission as both an individual and in his role as Executive Director. To this end, I am confident that his passion, combined with his expertise and his track record of leadership will allow the Foundation to take its work to the next level in the years to come and to make investing in young children a priority for everyone, from parents to presidents.

Robert Swaak
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Bernard van Leer Foundation