Vijay Solanki to lead charge in NFP sector; strategic partnership LAUNCHED with Matchmore Group
24 Hour Business Plan (24HRBP) has appointed seasoned leader and purpose-led strategist, Vijay Solanki as a Senior Advisor, as the business consultancy sets its sights on transforming the not-for-profit (NFP) and health sectors via fast, focused strategy development.
With a three-decade long career spanning executive roles at Unilever, Philips, Shazam and recently as CEO of the IAB, Solanki joins 24HRBP to drive rapid impact for not-for-profits and health organisations via sustainable growth strategies. His longstanding relationship with 24HRBP founder Andrew “Billy” Baxter — forged when Baxter was at Publicis and Solanki was leading the IAB — makes the appointment both strategic and personal.
“I’ve known Billy since I arrived in Australia a decade ago, and we’ve always shared a belief in the power of great strategy and purpose-led organisations,” said Solanki. “I’m energised by the opportunity to help NFP leaders scale their impact through strategic clarity. Strategy doesn’t need to take months — in sectors like health and social impact, it simply can’t afford to.”
Andrew “Billy” Baxter, Founder of 24HR Business Plan, said Vijay’s appointment speaks to the growing demand for fast, actionable strategy in complex sectors like health and social impact, where many NFPs are resource-stretched but mission-critical.
Baxter said: “Having been a Director and Chair of a number of NFP’s, and delivered over 200 strategic plans via 24HRBP, I know that long-term business strategies can’t wait. Not-for-profits face the same strategic challenges as startups and corporates including limited resources, high stakes, and the constant pressure to deliver impact.
“That’s why we’re excited to welcome Vijay to our team. Together we can help our NFP partners and purpose driven organisations develop practical and manageable business and marketing plans that supercharge their impact,” Baxter explained.
Steve Hirst (Matchmore), with Andrew Baxter and Vijay Solanki (from 24HR Businss Plan)
Solanki’s appointment coincides with a new partnership between 24HRBP and Matchmore, a rapidly growing organisation that connects NFPs with aligned donors and pro-bono support. The collaboration is a natural step in Solanki’s aim to help organisations cut through complexity and drive sustainable impact.
“NFPs are under increasing pressure to do more with less, and ensure that as many dollars are going to the cause as possible. Donors and stakeholders are recognising that better strategy is essential — and that’s where 24HRBP comes in,” Solanki explained. “We create strategic plans that align leadership teams, set clear priorities, and are simple enough to execute — all in just 24 hours of workshops.”
Unlike traditional and larger consultancies that can be slower and more costly, 24HRBP offers a nimble, proven model that has already delivered results for NFPs including UNICEF, Gowrie NSW and Canteen.
Matchmore Co-Founder Steve Hirst said the partnership would give their network of more than 500 NFPs access to practical, high-impact strategy sessions: “Partnering with 24HRBP means we can offer our clients rapid, high-quality strategy that boosts both effectiveness and efficiency.”
Founded in 2021, Matchmore is quickly becoming a pivotal player in Australia’s charity landscape. Its network enables NFPs to connect with the right funding and programs, while now leveraging 24HRBP’s fast strategy model to accelerate growth.
Baxter concluded: “Vijay brings unmatched experience, deep empathy for founders and CEO’s, and a strong track record in purpose-driven innovation. With him on board and Matchmore as a partner, we’re more equipped than ever to help NFPs thrive.”
Solanki added: “Every impactful organisation deserves a clear, focused plan — and the confidence to execute it. That’s what 24HRBP delivers, and it’s exactly what the sector needs right now.”
