UK COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS ANNOUNCE FABIAN FRENCH TO BE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

UK Community Foundations (UKCF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Fabian French as its new Chief Executive. Fabian will take up his post at the beginning of March and he replaces Stephen Hammersley, who leaves at the end of December after a distinguished ten year stint in the role. Kate Stewart will meanwhile assume the role of Interim CEO.

Fabian French qualified as a lawyer before embarking on a successful career in the City with Kleinwort Benson and Merrill Lynch.

In 2009 he joined Marie Curie Cancer Care as Director of Fundraising and Retail and as a member of the Executive Board. During his five years at Marie Curie, the charity's income grew from £70 million to £100 million notwithstanding the economic recession.

Fabian is a passionate believer in the importance of charitable activity and is trustee of three charities, including Goodenough College. He is also very active in fundraising for local causes. He lives near Oxford with his wife Pippa; they have three children and four dogs.

Fabian commented: "I am thrilled to be taking up the position of CEO at UK Community Foundations. I am convinced that Community Foundations have a critical role in today's society and have massive potential to grow their funding and influence. I look forward to playing a very active part in helping to both drive that growth and to supporting each of the 48 Community Foundations across the UK in their continued development."

UKCF Chairman, David Sheepshanks CBE, said "I am very much looking forward to working with Fabian French. He has an outstanding background, widespread experience and excellent credentials in both business and charity, as well as being a qualified lawyer. Fabian is also already a convert to the importance of local philanthropy in our communities. The fact that we have attracted someone of Fabian's ability speaks volumes of the exciting growth and effectiveness of Community Foundations throughout the UK."

Ends

For further information or to organise an interview with Fabian French, please call Laura Karban on 020 7814 4381 or email lkarban@ukcommunityfoundations.org

Notes to Editors

UKCF is the membership organisation for community foundations that work across the UK to raise then distribute money directly to local causes. Community foundations operate to ensure any form of philanthropy, whether from an individual or an organisation, is effective and brings greatest benefit to those in need in our local communities. Last year, community foundations made over 20,000 grants, distributing over £65 million to local causes. Community foundations' total managed endowment stands at over £450 million.

We represent 48 quality accredited community foundation members. Our Quality Accreditation process is endorsed by the Charity Commission and uses standards consistent with the Charity Commission's Hallmarks of an Effective Charity, with robust, transparent and fair assessment processes. Achieving Quality Accreditation demonstrates that community foundations are serious about quality and accountability.