Vocal philanthropist and former charity chief executive Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett has been appointed as the new chair of Cause4.

Former Philanthropy Review lead Hughes-Hallett has immediately begun as chair of Cause4, an enterprise which supports other charities, philanthropists and social enterprises, particularly relation to fundraising and strategic development.

Hughes-Hallett is currently chair of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at the Imperial College in London and a trustee of a number of charitable causes, including the King’s Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. The former Marie Curie Cancer Care chief executive Hughes-Hallett was knighted last year.

Cause4 last year launched a Philanthropy Service which aims to get high-profile individuals giving via its mechanisms. Hughes-Hallett himself has a history in working to boost philanthropy in the UK; he chaired the independent Philanthropy Review which ended in 2011.

Commenting on the appointment, Hughes-Hallet (pictured) remarked, “I could only say ‘yes’ when they asked me to join.”

Michelle Wright, Cause4 chief executive, expressed her delight at Hughes-Hallett’s new position. “He brings vision, challenge and creativity and is instrumental in galvanizing people to take action and make things happen,” she said. “The chance for our team to work directly with him is a huge opportunity and we are excited about what can be achieved in the months ahead.”