Your weekly roundup of appointments happening across the charity sector.
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Coeliac UK

National Council for Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) chief commercial officer Saskia Konynenburg has left to join Coeliac UK as its chief executive.

She had been with charity sector body NCVO for four years, including a four-month stint as its interim chief executive.

Konynenburg is also a former head of communications at Bristol City Council and is a guest crisis communications, PR and media management lecturer at the University of the West of England.

She takes up her new role at Coeliac UK from today (5 October).

“Her proven track record in organisational transformation, engagement and income diversification will be invaluable as we look to build a strong, sustainable future for the charity,” said the health charity’s chair Chris Dilloway.

“The Board was particularly impressed by Saskia’s values-led approach and her clear commitment to ensuring that the needs of people with coeliac disease remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Konynenburg added: “I am honoured to take on this important role and excited to build on that proud legacy, working alongside our community to achieve even greater impact.”

Pilotlight

Volunteering charity Pilotlight’s interim chief executive Iana Petkova has taken the role permanently.

She has been involved with the charity as a trustee for a year and has led it on a temporary basis since May.

Before joining the charity, she held senior commercial, product and marketing roles at Amazon and Canva.

“Iana brings the strategic focus, energy and experience needed to lead Pilotlight into its next phase” said Pilotlight chair Alison Forrestal.

"The Board is delighted to confirm her appointment and looks forward to deepening and extending our support for charities and their leaders.”

Petkova added: “I am honoured to be stepping into the role of CEO of Pilotlight at such a crucial time for the charity sector.

“As charities face growing financial and operational pressures, our work connecting them with the business expertise needed to tackle their most pressing challenges has never been more important.”

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) has appointed Heather Francis as director of finance and resources.

Former War Child UK treasurer Francis joined last month and is also treasurer of UNICEF UK, where she chairs its finance committee and sits on its board.

“I’ve always been drawn to organisations with a strong sense of purpose and a genuine commitment to making a difference,” said Francis.

“GOSH Charity’s vision and values really resonated with me, and I’m delighted to be joining the organisation at the start of the new strategy.

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across GOSH Charity, to help support the organisation's ambitions, and together to make a difference for seriously ill children and their families.”

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