Women’s Business Club Appoints New CEO to Lead Co-op Transformation

Mel Arnold steps into a leadership role as the global network enters a new member-owned era.

Women’s Business Club has announced the appointment of Mel Arnold as Chief Executive Officer as the organisation transitions into a member-owned co-operative.

The leadership appointment comes at a defining moment for the organisation, as it unveils a new co-op model designed to place ownership and decision-making power directly into the hands of its members. Women’s Business Club, founded in 2013 by Angela De Souza, has spent over a decade empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals globally – and is now taking its mission one step further with a bold structural shift.

“This is a powerful next step in our journey,” said Angela De Souza, Founder of Women’s Business Club. “By appointing Mel, we’re not only strengthening our leadership – we’re signalling a fundamental shift in how we serve our community. The co-operative model reflects everything we stand for: equity, collaboration, and meaningful female-led leadership.”

Mel Arnold brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, business development, and systems thinking. Mel says;

“Whilst I have a big pair of shoes to step into, I’m excited to play a role in advancing our community and creating new opportunities that will help us grow stronger and thrive together.”

Mel will be responsible for shaping the co-operative’s governance, deepening member engagement, and scaling the organisation’s reach and impact globally.

The transformation into a co-operative is more than symbolic. Under the new structure, members have the opportunity to become co-owners, with voting rights and influence over the organisation’s direction. The founding phase opens on 2 September 2025 and closes on 20 October 2025, giving early supporters the chance to become part of the legacy-building group that will shape the future of women in business.  Enquiries can be made at https://forms.gle/6RZMj3ioaGBtSJ9Y8 

“This isn’t just a network,” said De Souza. “It’s a movement – and Mel is exactly the kind of leader we need to carry it forward.”

Find out more about Women’s Business Club at womensbusiness.club