Who’s Moving? January 2026 Charity Sector Leadership Round-up – Raise + Recruit
7 Feb 2026
John Austin

Who’s Moving? January 2026 Charity Sector Leadership Round-up

Leadership Moves

As we begin a new year, the UK charity sector is already seeing substantial leadership change. January 2026 brought a wave of high-profile appointments, strategic exits, and new board leadership — each reflecting the shifting demands placed on our sector’s leaders.

This roundup offers a sector-wide lens on the month’s most significant moves — and what they reveal about the priorities shaping 2026.

CEO & Executive Appointments

Gwilym Gibbons, CEO (from May), Dynamic Earth Joining from the Crichton Trust, Gibbons brings experience in capital projects and cultural leadership, positioning Dynamic Earth for an ambitious new phase.

Iftikhar Shaheen, CEO, Islamic Relief Worldwide With leadership roles at NRC, VSO and Merlin, Shaheen replaces Waseem Ahmad and brings deep humanitarian sector expertise.

Richard Orr, CEO, Winning Scotland An internal successor to Zahra Hedges, Orr’s background in fundraising and communications reflects the charity’s commitment to continuity and mission growth.

Vicki Sellick, CEO Designate, Good Things Foundation Sellick joins from St John Ambulance and Nesta to lead the UK’s flagship digital inclusion charity amid AI-driven inequality concerns.

Summer Alston-Smith, CEO, Clinks A criminal justice sector veteran, Alston-Smith steps in at a time of significant policy change, including sentencing reform and women’s justice frameworks.

Charlotte Monico, CEO, Founders Pledge Previously COO, Monico takes the helm from founder David Goldberg, reflecting a maturing philanthropic infrastructure model.

Andrew Caudell, CEO, Kids for Kids Caudell takes over from founder Patricia Parker during a humanitarian crisis in Darfur, bringing a blend of commercial and charity experience.

Meral Nugent, CEO, Nightingale Cancer Support Centre Returning to a charity she volunteered with, Nugent brings corporate affairs experience and community roots.

Bruce Leeke, CEO, Ormiston Families Leeke moves from Suffolk Libraries, reinforcing the value of regional leadership for East of England children’s services.

Ciaran McGuigan, CEO, Zero Waste Scotland An internal promotion, McGuigan reflects the organisation’s commitment to stability and the circular economy.

Kathleen Sherwin, CEO & President, Orbis International A global health equity advocate, Sherwin steps into a prominent international role in vision and eye health.

Quinton Newell, COO, Motor Neurone Disease Association The association’s first COO, Newell brings strategic operations leadership from NIHR and Cancer Research UK.

Interim Leaders in Place

Departures Announced in January 2026

Board & Trustee Appointments

Joy Warmington, Chair, ActionAid UK Warmington’s background in racial justice leadership signals a sustained commitment to inclusive governance.

Sarah Mullen, Chair, National Children’s Bureau A long-time NCB trustee and experienced children’s services leader, Mullen replaces Alison O’Sullivan.

Andrew Anderson, Chair, Veterans’ Foundation A military veteran and existing trustee, Anderson succeeds Peter Mountford after a decade in post.

Chris Prosser & Jane Beese, Co-Chairs, Music Venue Trust Prosser returns to a formal co-chair role; Beese strengthens the charity’s arts and advocacy influence.

James Lingwood, Chair, Paul Hamlyn Foundation He succeeds Jane Hamlyn, who steps down after 23 years and remains a trustee.

Interim Chair Transition, King’s Foundation Ann Limb steps down to take up a life peerage; search for successor underway.

New Director-Level Appointments

Trustees & Chairs Across the Sector

Key Trends from January 2026

Succession Planning is Stronger: Interims are in place quickly. Boards are showing discipline and confidence in leadership transitions.

Digital and Operational Appointments Are Rising: CIOs, COOs, and transformation-focused directors are increasingly common.

Governance Refresh is Widespread: Several major charities appointed new chairs with lived experience, equity-focused leadership, or cross-sector insight.

Internal Talent is Trusted: From Winning Scotland to Scope, many leaders are rising from within — a positive signal for retention and development.

Founders Stepping Back Gracefully: The likes of Walk the Walk and Paul Hamlyn Foundation show how to hand over with legacy and integrity.

Final Thought

The volume and variety of leadership moves this January are striking — but what’s more important is what they reflect:

A sector maturing in its governance, investing in operational strength, and actively shaping leadership fit for 2026’s complexity.

For those leading charities today, or advising their boards, this month’s changes raise three questions:

The answers will define not just your next hire — but your charity’s resilience in the years to come.

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