In addition to his current CEO role, John is chair of the Church of England’s National Procurement Group, a body which oversees and enables parishes to buy and save together. He is also a peer reviewer to other dioceses.

Prior to joining the Diocese of Chelmsford in 2011, John spent eleven years at London Underground, part of Transport for London, where he was Head of Strategy & Asset Management. John graduated from Keble College, University of Oxford with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics in 1999.

Commenting on his appointment, John said: “I look forward to taking up this exciting role shaping and refining the services we offer to ensure that they are sustainable in the future. It is a pleasure to be working for an organisation which values service to others so highly.”

Jonathan Spencer, Chair of the Church of England Pensions Board, said: “I am delighted to welcome John. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a thorough understanding of the need and challenges faced by many of our key partners having worked as CEO for one of the Church’s largest and most diverse dioceses.”

Today’s appointment follows the untimely and unexpected death of former chief executive, Bernadette Kenny, in October 2017.

The Church of England Pensions Board currently manages funds totalling £2.3 billion. It administers pensions to over 38,000 people, houses 2,500 retired clergy and their dependents, and supports and maintains seven Christian retirement communities.

The CoEPB operates three major pension arrangements: the Church of England Pensions Scheme for the clergy and others in the stipendiary ministry; the Church Workers Pension Fund for lay employees of the church’s organisations, and; the Church Administrators Pension Fund for staff of the Church’s National Institutions and episcopal staff.