Tributes have been paid to the co-founder of the think tank NPC after his death at the age of 68.
Peter Wheeler helped set up the charity in 2002 and had remained on its board since, chairing the organisation 2009 and 2012.
The former partner and managing director of the investment bank Goldman Sachs was a founding director of the social investment body Social Finance and spent 15 years on its board until 2023.
He chaired the former social investment body Futurebuilders England for four years until 2008 and spent almost six years as executive vice-president of The Nature Conservancy.
He also chaired the Young Foundation and was a trustee of the now-defunct charity Kids Company.
The cause of death has not yet been announced.
NPC said in a statement that Wheeler would be “deeply missed but fondly remembered”.
It said: “From NPC’s earliest days, he recognised gaps in how charities and funders could maximise their impact.
“His generosity, drive and passion built the organisation from the ground up, shaping a culture of evidence, insight and practical action that has guided NPC ever since.”
NPC said Wheeler “encouraged us to question assumptions, think rigorously and act decisively, all in pursuit of meaningful change”.
It said: “His contributions went far beyond formal meetings: he inspired colleagues, guided partners and left a lasting imprint on our whole community.
“Peter’s legacy is not only in the organisation he helped create, or the thousands of organisations that have subsequently benefitted from NPC’s resources, but in the culture of curiosity, integrity and impact that continues to guide NPC today.”
Jonathan Simmons, chief executive of NPC, said: “Even in my short time at NPC, I have benefitted enormously from the visionary energy that Peter brought to our board.
“He was deeply involved, always present, and gave so much to the organisation he helped to found.
“His legacy lives on in our mission and in the way we work every day.”