CodeBase announces leadership transition

Edinburgh-based tech ecosystem builder CodeBase has announced a senior leadership transition as co-founder Stephen Coleman OBE moves from chief executive to group chair.

Chief strategy officer Jon Hope has stepped in as interim chief executive, while former Skyscanner and Current Health executive Richard Lennox has joined the board and taken on the role of interim chief operating officer.

Stephen has led CodeBase for a decade, overseeing its growth from an Edinburgh startup hub to an international platform supporting founders across Scotland and the UK. 

Jon joined in 2022 from Barclays, where he co-founded the Eagle Labs network, while Richard brings scaling experience from two major tech exits.

The changes strengthen CodeBase’s leadership as it continues delivering programmes supporting startups and scaleups nationwide.

Stephen said: “We're at an inflection point for CodeBase, and these leadership changes are part of our overall evolution into a powerhouse for founder support across every growth stage. 

“With Jon's ecosystem-building expertise and Richard's proven scaleup track record leading our fantastic team, and with the support of Gillian Docherty and the CodeBase Board, we're supercharging our ability to help founders navigate from early stage to global scale. 

“This next phase of CodeBase is about impact, focused support for founders, creating more success stories, and becoming a true launchpad for world-changing companies.”

Gillian Docherty, CodeBase’s non-executive chair, added: “Stephen has been a big part of CodeBase’s DNA and has led the business over a ten-year span that included the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re extremely pleased that he will remain integral to CodeBase’s leadership going forward.‍

“Jon’s track record and commitment to CodeBase since joining has been stellar, and is a perfect fit for the interim chief executive role to support this organisation-wide evolution.  

“And in Richard Lennox, at a juncture where CodeBase intensifies its focus on helping our brightest startups to scale across the globe, we have an incredible appointee to the board and interim chief operating officer role.  

“Jon and Richard will lead CodeBase through this transitional period, guiding the business into its next phase of evolution.” ‍

Gillian added: “We have a strong leadership team in place who know the business inside out and are locked in on strategic priorities, and the view of the board is that it is important to take the necessary time to ensure the right appointment for CodeBase’s long-term success.”

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