Simon Cohen, the founder of Global Tolerance, a social change communications agency, is staying true to company values by handing his company over to two carefully selected candidates. Cohen says that the business is worth between £500,000 and £1m, he is handing over 95% of shares, cash, and assets to two Open Leadership Exercise (OLE) finalists.

Global Tolerance, which has previously represented clients such as the Dalai Lama and the UN, will be passed on to Noa Gafni, a digital strategist from the World Economic Forum and Rosie Warin, an award-winning PR director from Forster Communications. While Cohen didn’t expect to choose two owners, he says he made the decision when he saw the two women working together during the application process.

Simon Cohen comments, “The success of the OLE represents a gauntlet for entrepreneurs to give away their companies - instead of selling out. In Noa and Rosie, I have found two amazing leaders, two inspirational ladies who permeate the values of Global Tolerance. I’m excited to see the direction they take the company in.”

The OLE attracted applicants from 30 countries and included a rigorous five stage interview process. Cohen is leaving the company to spend time with his family, but he will continue with occasional communications work and will maintain an advisory role at Global Tolerance to help guide the new owners. Cohen hopes that they will stay true to the company ethos, while moving the brand forward and making it their own.

Cohen’s exit strategy has received interest from fellow executives and he hopes that some may follow suit. Iain Bundred, EAME corporate director for Ogilvy PR, who was one of the final judges for the OLE says, "It was great to collaborate with such an innovative business transition. When Simon Cohen first told me he planned to do this, I was curious as to whether he could follow through on his promise to hand his whole company over to the next generation of talent. While I know it has been a truly terrifying experience for Simon, it has also been a terrific learning process. Through the OLE, global tolerance has been open to talent and ideas from across the world. This could act as a blueprint for others and be the first of many creative and effective leadership exits."