Andrew Biography
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Andrew Croft
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Andrew Croft became Chief Executive of CAN in 2008.
He joined the organisation in 2006 with responsibility for the development of new revenue streams including the award-winning CAN Mezzanine concept, which provides quality, affordable office space for social enterprises, charities and voluntary organisations.
Andrew has a wealth of experience in operations, sales, customer service and business development, with over 20 years’ management experience from John Lewis Partnership to easyGroup.
Prior to joining CAN he was based in New York as Vice President Business Development for the easyGroup, reporting directly to Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, responsible for the international rollout of all the easyInternet cafes from Oxford Street, London, to 42nd Street, New York. He was also involved in a successful major shareholder value dispute with the company.
He says: “Being able to use my experience in the private sector to help charities and social enterprises to develop and thrive is extremely rewarding. I firmly believe that the business model of social enterprises that are entrepreneurial but working for the good of the community, not just owners and shareholders, has a great future.”
Andrew is a board member of the following organisations: Social Enterprise Coalition - the UK's national body for social enterprise UnLtd - the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs Thare Machi Education – the charity using education to save lives in the developing world.
In July 2010 Andrew completed an MBA at Imperial College London to enhance his knowledge of scientific management techniques.
He was a panel judge for the 2008 ‘Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year’ Award and was recently invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the social enterprise sector.