Paul Kissack named JRF/JRHT Group Chief Executive

Paul is currently a Director General in the UK Government working on the national response to the COVID-19 crisis. He has held Director General roles at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Education (DfE) and was Deputy Chief Executive for Policy and Organisational Strategy at the Ministry for Children in New Zealand. He has also held senior roles in HM Treasury, the Cabinet Office, and a local authority, and has worked throughout his career on economic and social policy issues and public service reform.

Of his appointment he said: “Joseph Rowntree’s vision of a prosperous country free of poverty has never felt more relevant or urgent. As we emerge from the COVID crisis it is vital that we redouble our efforts to address stark social and regional inequalities. I feel honoured to be joining such an outstanding organisation, to help build on its proud tradition of inspiring change and strengthening communities”.

Will Haire, Chair of Trustees, said: “Paul’s track record of delivering complex services locally and policy development at the heart of Government makes him the right person to continue the process of transformation underway across all parts of the JRF/JRHT Group.

“He combines enthusiasm for our goals with a measured understanding of their scale, world class leadership skills and a demonstrable commitment to the values that thread the constituent parts of the group”.

Paul steps into the post vacated by Nacro Chief Executive Campbell Robb in July 2019. He is expected to take up the York-based role by September.