The Children’s Society appoints new Chief Executive

Mark Russell has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of The Children’s Society.

Mark is currently Chief Executive at Church Army, a charity that works across the British Isles serving over 11,000 people each month.  Their work in Cardiff supports homeless young people and young people experiencing self-harm, and The Marylebone Project is the largest women only homeless project in the UK providing over 40,000 nights of accommodation each year.

Mark has spent more than 12 years as a charity CEO and combines private sector experience with a decade on the ground as a youth worker. Mark grew up in Northern Ireland and gained experience early in his career working with young people from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds to build understanding in the run-up to the Good Friday Agreement.

Janet Legrand QC (Hon), Chair of The Children’s Society, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Mark as the next Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, from a diverse and high-calibre shortlist.

“His significant senior leadership experience will help us to drive through our strategy and impact plans, and he has infectious enthusiasm for the social justice mission of The Children’s Society and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“His experience of working with politicians of all parties and social activists from all backgrounds will make him a powerful champion for the cause of The Children’s Society to society, decision-makers, funders and to our supporters, new and old. We will be very pleased to welcome him on board in the summer. In the meantime, we have great confidence in the interim leadership of Nick Roseveare, who will ensure a thorough handover to Mark.”

Mark commented:

“I am excited and thrilled to be joining The Children’s Society and am really grateful for the opportunity to join the team.

“For years I have been a huge fan of the amazing work The Children’s Society does in transforming lives and advocating change. I have donated clothes to Children’s Society shops, delivered Christingle services, and read and shared The Good Childhood Report every year.

“Too many children and young people are frightened, alone and feel unloved. I am enthusiastic about The Children’s Society’s audacious strategy to disrupt disadvantage, supporting young people to not just survive, but thrive.  I am determined to strengthen the charity’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and I look forward to fighting for change to build a country where vulnerable children can have better lives.”

Mark has served as a lay member on the General Synod of the Church of England, and is currently on the Archbishops’ Council. He has been a governor of a Special Needs school in Sheffield and is a supporter of Diverse Church, an organisation for LGBT Christians.  He will relocate to the London area prior to taking up this appointment in August.