The Institute of Fundraising (Institute) has announced that Joe Saxton, co-founder of nfpSynergy is to be its new chair of trustees from 12 May 2005.

Saxton, who currently undertakes the role of driver of ideas at nfpSynergy, a not-for-profit think tank, was previously director of communications at RNID and prior to that, spent five years working with the charities unit of Brann, the world’s largest direct marketing group. He will replace Simon Burne, who is to remain on the board until the end of his six-year tenure on 12 July.

Burne said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Joe at our helm. He’s an innovative and dynamic individual who has been a real driving force behind the sector and has exactly the tight mix of strategic vision, drive, energy and commitment that the Institute needs.”

Saxton said: “Having spent the last three years as trustee for the Institute, I’m looking forward to building on the success of the current trustee board under Simon Burne’s leadership. As chair I want to make sure that the Institute grows in impact, importance and membership and ultimately that fundraisers will be bringing in more money for the charities they work for.”