The Society of Merchant Venturers (SMV) has appointed Jonathon Baker, a member since 1996, to lead the organisation for the year ahead. The tradition of appointing a new leader each year on ‘Charter Day’ has been upheld since 1552, when the Society of Merchant Venturers was granted its first Royal Charter by Edward VI, later endorsed by Charles I in 1639.
Born and raised in Somerset, Jonathon represents the fourth generation of his family to hold membership of the Society of Merchant Venturers. In fact, his appointment as leader coincides exactly 100 years after his great-grandfather served as Master.
Jonathon began his career as a marine insurance broker and has since diversified into the field of modern foreign languages, now the owner of a national translation and interpreting business which he manages from its head office in Bristol.
Over the past 30 years, Jonathon has served and continues to serve on numerous SMV Committees. He has held a range of leadership and governance positions within SMV and related organisations, including as a governor of Collegiate School and a mentor to emerging entrepreneurs through SMV’s partnership with Black South West Network.
Jonathon has a particular interest in SMV’s stewardship of the Clifton and Durdham Downs, 441 acres of green space jointly managed with Bristol City Council. He is committed to preserving this vital landscape for future generations, balancing the challenges of environmental protection, heritage conservation and sustainable public access.
Beyond SMV, Jonathon has long supported community development across Bristol. Until October 2025, he was a trustee of the Park Community Centre in Knowle West, a position he held since 2012, where he contributed to its redevelopment into a vibrant hub for education, enterprise and wellbeing. He also served for six years as a trustee of Quartet Community Foundation, supporting charitable initiatives across the region. An advocate for local enterprise, in 2016 Jonathon founded a thriving beer and cider festival that continues to raise funds for social ventures and rural producers.
In the year ahead, Jonathon’s focus will be on strengthening strategic partnerships and collaborations to create more opportunities that enable people and communities to thrive. This includes advancing SMV’s Youth Strategy, fostering aspiration through mentoring and real-world experiences, and supporting initiatives that promote excellence in education and care.
Jonathon will also be leading SMV’s strategic commitment to convene and connect individuals and organisations whose combined efforts help to build a more inclusive, dynamic and resilient region.
