The appointment is subject to approval by the Church Commissioners at an EGM to be held in November. The position, subject to confirmation, will be effective from 1 February 2020 and based in Church House, Westminster.

The nomination follows the announcement by Andrew Brown, in May this year, that he will retire at the end of January 2020 as Secretary and Chief Executive and follows a competitive recruitment process, begun in the summer.

The Chief Executive Officer acts as the Secretary to the Church Commissioners, supporting the Commissioners in strategic policy and prioritisation. The role is also responsible for strategic leadership of the Investments team, the Bishoprics & Cathedrals and Pastoral & Closed Churches teams, the Secretariat, the Libraries and Archives team and a range of corporate functions for the NCIs, including Finance, HR and Technology.

Gareth Mostyn joined in 2018 from De Beers plc, where he was the Board Director responsible for Strategy and Corporate Affairs, prior to which he was Chief Financial Officer.

In his current role as CFOO, Gareth is responsible for providing financial leadership across the NCIs, encompassing the Church Commissioners, Archbishops' Council and Church of England Pensions Board. In addition, he oversees broader shared service operations in the NCIs, with the departments of Finance, HR, Technology and Facilities reporting to him.

Commenting on his nomination, Loretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner (and Chair of the Selection Panel) said: “I am delighted, on behalf of the Selection Panel, to propose Gareth Mostyn as the next Secretary and Chief Executive to the Commissioners.

“Since his arrival as CFOO, he has demonstrated a clear-eyed commitment to delivering sustainable financial support to the Church over the long term to help the Church meet its mission priorities. He has a thorough understanding of the oversight required for an endowment of our size and significance, a solid grasp of our requirements as a leader in responsible and ethical investment and a real appreciation of the broader role the Commissioners play in support of the Church’s work. Above all, he will bring impressive leadership qualities to bear, with a clear vision for focused decision-making, high-quality service and a culture of collaboration in which all our colleagues can flourish."

Archbishop Justin Welby commented: “I am fully supportive of the nomination of Gareth to the role of CEO of the Church Commissioners, who continue to play their historic and crucial role in supporting the mission and ministry of the Church.

“Effective and professional stewardship is crucial as it allows the Church to further its reach and help people find meaning in the love and life of Jesus Christ. Gareth will bring energy and experience to the position, ensuring the high level of leadership and guidance required by the role."

Speaking to his nomination Gareth Mostyn said: “It is a great privilege to be considered for this role. The Church of England plays an important role in the life of the nation, and I would be honoured to play a part in the long-term growth and development of the Church as CEO of the Commissioners, in the service of God.

“Since working at Church House I have been thoroughly impressed by the highly talented team of colleagues and I look forward to working further with them, collaborating across the NCIs and working with the Board of Governors to build an inclusive, innovative and leading organisation supporting the mission of the Church.”