Charity sector umbrella body NCVO has announced the appointment of AI company leader Jude Sheeran as its next chair.
Sheeran, who is a managing director of SambaNova Systems, was previously chief operating officer at Shaw Trust, CEO of not-for-profit IT provider EduServ and has served as a small charity trustee.
He will replace Priya Singh, a medical expert who has led the board since 2020 and will step down at the end of her second term.
Sheeran said: “I’m honoured to be taking on the enormous privilege and responsibility of being chair of NCVO at such an important time.
“The role NCVO plays in supporting charities and civil society to thrive is vital, and the role of infrastructure has never been clearer.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with members, the board and staff to build on NCVO’s strong foundations and ensure we are well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the sector and the communities it works for tirelessly.”
Singh said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of NCVO over the past six years.
“I am incredibly proud of how the organisation and the wider sector have responded to unprecedented challenges, continuing to support communities when they have needed it most.
“I’m delighted to pass the baton to Jude, whose experience, insight and leadership will help ensure the organisation continues to evolve and strengthen its support for civil society in the years ahead.”
‘His experience and perspective will be instrumental’
Kate Lee, chief executive of NCVO, said Singh had “guided the organisation with clarity and compassion through some of the most challenging times the sector has faced”.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to be working closely with Jude as our new chair. His experience and perspective will be instrumental as we deliver our new strategy and support charities to navigate a changing world.”
Chris Sherwood, NCVO trustee who led the recruitment process, said: “As we began the search for our next chair, we knew it would be important to find someone with broad experience who could help lead the organisation through its next phase of development.
“Jude brings exactly that. His experience spans digital transformation, commercial sustainability, governance and systems change.
“Combined with his understanding of the voluntary sector, this makes him well placed to support NCVO as we deliver our new strategy and continue to strengthen civil society.”
NCVO, which is due to publish its next five-year strategy in the coming weeks, is also recruiting four new trustees to support its delivery.
