Co-founder of The Cheeky Panda along with his partner Julie Chen. Cheeky Panda is a Fast Track 100 company, Ranked 13th in the UKs top 100 start-ups the 8th most recognisable sustainable brand in the UK. Chris is passionate about delivering change for good and has been a public speaker with regular features in press and radio helping share the journey and inspire others to become environmental entrepreneurs. Passionate about building sustainable 21st century companies that have purpose over profit but are still commercially viable entities. He has been a mentor to several high growth businesses over the past 5 years.

Career Bio

The Cheeky Panda

Co-founder and Executive Director 2016 to present

Used my experience of marketing, networking and global supply chains to co found and build this B Corp certified fast moving consumer goods company using bamboo the world’s fastest growing plant as an alternative and more renewable fibre than tree pulp.

• Market tested consumers appetite for bamboo tissue in 2016.

• Launched the business online, premium retailers and office supplies companies.

• Company has saved 400,000 trees to date by people using Cheeky Panda Bamboo products instead.

• Carbon balanced saving over 33,500 tons of carbon since 2017.

• Became a B Corp in 2019

• Over £150k donated to charity partners

• Built a global business with sales across 25 countries including Europe, China and USA with listings in top retailers such as Ocado, Amazon, Tesco, Boots, WHSmith Carrefour and Monoprix.

• Team of 30 direct employees with a turnover of £10m

• Market cap is £85m as of 2022.

• Company working towards £50m turnover in the next 3 years

PhD Search and Selection

Co-founder and MD

1996 to 2019

Boutique Executive search business working globally with the managing directors and partners of top tier investment banks, hedge funds and big4 management consulting. Gained detailed experience across capital markets, technology, retail, b2b and supply chain. Successfully sold the business in 2018 to a private equity backed company.

Notable Awards

• Entrepreneur of the year 2018

• Number 13 in the UKs Top 100 UK start-ups - 2022

• Product of the year 2020

• Entrepreneur for good award 2022

• Meaningful Business Top 100

thecheekypanda.co.uk