CEO of former PM's charity steps down after four months in the role

Katharine Sacks-Jones has announced she is to step down as chief executive of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s anti-poverty charity after only four months in post.

She said her departure as CEO of The Multibank “has not been an easy decision and I appreciate the opportunity and the experience I’ve gained here”.

She added: “It's been a privilege to meet so many amazing people who share a commitment to supporting people in poverty.

“Not least to have the opportunity to work alongside the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, a true visionary who founded the charity.

“Initiatives like the Multibank shouldn't be needed in the UK in 2025 but sadly rising poverty means more families unable to afford even the basics. I wish the organisation every success for the future and I’m looking forward to exploring what comes next.”

The Multibank was founded by Brown alongside online retailer Amazon to connect firms with surplus stock with charity partners to distribute them to those in need.

To date, The Multibank has supported 800,000 people through the redistribution of 12 million products

The charity has announced that Sacks-Jones will be replaced on an interim basis over the next 12 months by Bob Garmory.

He takes over from 1 December and is working with Sacks-Jones “to ensure a smooth transition”.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Katharine for her service to The Multibank and for the capable leadership and rigour she has brought to our infrastructure and business frameworks,” said the charity.

“Her contribution has strengthened the charity’s foundation for growth and collaboration. We are sorry to see her go and wish her every success in the future.”

Garmory has been involved with The Multibank since 2022 and is a previous chair of Fife’s Chamber of Commerce and Dunfermline Athletic Football Club.

Sacks-Jones joined The Multibank in August after spending six years as chief executive of care experienced children's charity Become. She is a former CEO of women and girls’ alliance Agenda and also spent six years at Crisis in senior policy roles.