Oxfam has appointed former Skype executive Paul Clarke as fundraising and supporter marketing director, replacing Cathy Ferrier who has joined Sentebale as chief executive.

Clarke has worked in marketing for two decades but it is his first role in the charity sector. Previously he was interim global marketing, strategy and planning director at Skype and has held senior marketing roles at BBC Worldwide, Universal Studios and Walt Disney. He will take up his new role on 11 June.

As well as leading the fundraising strategy for Oxfam GB, Clarke will also be involved in developing fundraising across the Oxfam international confederation.

Clarke said: “In these tough economic times it is absolutely crucial that charities find innovative ways to sustain current fundraisers alongside reaching out to new supporters by making the most of every marketing channel possible.”

Barbara Stocking, chief executive of Oxfam GB said: “The vision that Paul brings to Oxfam will help ensure that we continue to innovate and grow our supporter base.”

Cathy Ferrier announced in January that she would leave Oxfam in March to take up the position of chief executive at Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale.