Springboard’s Life President Stephen Moss said: “She leaves behind an impressive legacy, having transformed Springboard into a prominent national industry charity; offering inspirational careers and education programmes, as well as pioneering and award-winning employability provision.
“Alongside this, she has championed hospitality careers, with an innovative range of campaigns to attract talent and promote the industry as a great place to work.
“Under Anne’s leadership, Springboard has provided careers advice to millions, supported and inspired some 150,000 students into careers and helped over 100,000 unemployed and disadvantaged adults into employment. She has garnered widespread and longstanding support from the industry’s most prominent organisations and personalities, as well developing sound partnerships with Government and other stakeholders.
“When I founded Springboard in London 30 years ago, I could not have believed it would grow in impact, reputation and scale into the truly impressive national organisation that it is today. None of that would have been possible without Anne’s leadership, vision, dynamism, incredible energy and commitment. I am so immensely proud of what she has achieved and it has been a real privilege to work with her over the last 23 years.‘’
Pierce said: “Early retirement was my plan for the end of our milestone 30th year. It will be an incredible wrench as I adore Springboard and the impact it has – I still get emotional when I hear stories about the positive difference we’ve made to people’s lives.
“I have made some wonderful friends, but I now want to spend precious time with my family and try my hand at self-sufficiency. It is the right moment to let a new, creative and motivated leader drive Springboard to even greater heights.
“I will depart knowing that I leave an outstanding team and a strong foundation and thank everyone who has given me and Springboard support over the years.”
Alastair Storey, Springboard’s chairman, added: “I have had the pleasure of knowing Anne for many years and salute her contribution to Springboard and the wider industry.
“Her care, enthusiasm and dedication have been an example to us all and have made a real difference to so many people’s lives.”
Details on the recruitment of a successor will be announced shortly.