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Pledge 1% Welcomes New Leadership: Josh Jarrett Takes the Helm

In a significant move for the global initiative Pledge 1%, Josh Jarrett has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, effective September 8, 2026. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Pledge 1%, which seeks to inspire companies to weave social impact into their core business strategies. With nearly 30 years of experience straddling the realms of technology and social impact, Jarrett is poised to guide Pledge 1% into its next chapter of growth and influence.

A Leader with Diverse Expertise

Josh Jarrett's professional voyage features an impressive combination of roles that emphasize the intersection of technology and philanthropy. His past experience includes pivotal positions with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he played an instrumental role in establishing higher education initiatives. Jarrett's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found organizations like Koru and InStride, both of which focus on enhancing access to education and career opportunities. Recently, he spearheaded Wiley's Applied Research Intelligence business, where he was at the forefront of developing products powered by artificial intelligence.

Strategic Vision for Pledge 1%

As Pledge 1% celebrates over a decade since its inception, Jarrett steps in during a transformative era for the movement. With a burgeoning community comprising more than 20,000 companies across 130 nations, Pledge 1% has successfully paved the way for businesses to commit a portion of their profits, products, or time towards social impact.

However, the advancement of AI introduces new dynamics and challenges regarding corporate responsibility and impact. In his new role, Jarrett will not only uphold Pledge 1%'s established principles but also adapt them to the evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the need for businesses to generate value that benefits society at large.

Board Support and Endorsements

Scott Farquhar, Chairman of the Pledge 1% Board, expressed optimism regarding Jarrett’s leadership, stating, "Josh is a strong leader with rich experiences across both philanthropy and established businesses. His expertise in applied AI is especially pertinent as we navigate through the evolving perspectives on business responsibility. We trust that he will build on our strong foundation and promote a movement that resonates with the next generation of companies."

Jarrett himself shares this vision of the movement’s future. He remarked on the intersection of rapid AI development and its implications for societal benefit. "We find ourselves at a critical juncture with the explosion of AI technologies. The question of who reaps the benefits becomes more pronounced. Pledge 1% offers an exciting opportunity to partner with companies to redefine success—integrating societal improvement into their business outcomes."

The Core Philosophy of Pledge 1%

Pledge 1% began as a simple yet powerful concept: to encourage businesses to integrate charitable contributions into their operational frameworks. By pledging just one percent of their resources—be it time, product, or equity—companies can cultivate a culture of giving back that transcends traditional business models.

As the societal landscape continues to change, the importance of embedding social impact into business strategies grows. The mission of Pledge 1% emphasizes that companies wield the potential to serve as conduits for meaningful change. By committing to social responsibility, they not only enhance their reputations but also contribute to a more equitable society.

Over the past decade, Pledge 1% has engaged more than 20,000 companies, including notable industry leaders such as Salesforce, Atlassian, and Twilio, resulting in over $3 billion in new philanthropic contributions. As Josh Jarrett assumes the role of CEO, the organization is set to leverage his extensive background to further grow this impactful movement.

Conclusion

With Josh Jarrett at the helm, Pledge 1% is positioned to navigate the complexities of today's business environment while staying true to its commitment to social responsibility. As companies are increasingly expected to contribute to societal good, the leadership transition signifies a renewed focus on creating lasting impact through innovative business practices. The journey ahead holds promise not just for Pledge 1%, but for all organizations committed to leveraging their success for the benefit of society.