Association of Charitable Organisations appoints new CEO

The Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) has appointed Donal Watkin as its new chief executive.

Watkin will take over from current chief, Dominic Fox, on 1 November 2019 when Fox will retire after nine years leading the charity membership body.

Watkin joins the organisation with experience of leadership and senior management of membership organisations, with a focus on strategic planning, marketing, communication and membership development and retention.

He has also worked with organisations ranging from the CBI to global professional services networks, developing and supporting their growth and encouraging greater collaboration levels between members.

He also sits as Trustee of Mid-Kent MIND and Borden Grammar School.

Commenting on his appointment, Watkin said: “I am delighted to be offered the role of CEO at ACO during a time of change within the organisation. ACO has begun work on exciting projects, such as the One Day Changes Lives initiative to raise awareness of its charity members. I look forward to developing these campaigns, as well as continuing to increase the growth of ACO membership.

ACO Chair D’Arcy Myers added: “Dominic Fox has been a valued CEO and ambassador for ACO. We all wish him well in his retirement. Welcoming Donal Watkin as the new CEO is a pleasurable task for me and comes at an exciting time for both ACO and our members. Beneficial charities are becoming better understood and the vital role they play in our society can not be underestimated.”

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