News

New CEO Appointed

Friday 15th October 2010

Thomas Lawson has been appointed as the new chief executive of Leap Confronting Conflict, the national youth charity and 2009 Charity of the Year

Mr Lawson joins Leap Confronting Conflict from his previous role as Deputy Chief Executive of Prisoners’ Abroad. He has worked in the civil society sector since the early 1990’s on issues or with people that are marginalised: people with HIV (Terrence Higgins Trust and NAM, the HIV information charity), criminal justice (Prisoners Abroad, Make Justice Work) or with learning disabilities (HeartnSoul) , the reduction of conflict in Northern Ireland or the Middle East (National Peace Council), or simply the reduction of conflict between people. From his work at UNICEF he learnt about the importance of young people’s participation and their rights.

Patrick Dunne, Chairman of Leap and Group Communications Director at 3i said;
“I am delighted to announce Thomas’ appointment and very much look forward to working with him. Thomas has an impressive track record of effective leadership and his career demonstrates his deep commitment to the voluntary sector and improving the lives of marginalised people. At a time of challenge for all charities, he brings considerable experience of achieving growth whilst remaining focused on delivery. His experience of building relationships with the Government, corporations and the media are just some of his very significant strengths.

“Thomas will succeed Jenny Rogers, under whose committed leadership Leap has had such a deep and positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people across the UK. The Board and I are enormously grateful to Jenny for all she achieved at Leap.”

Thomas Lawson, Chief Executive designate of Leap Confronting Conflict said, “I am excited to join Leap at a time that will bring many opportunities as well as pressures for our sector and for young people. I look forward to building on Leap’s impressive track record of supporting young people to help them understand and manage conflict in their lives, as I work with Patrick and the rest of the team to strengthen the organisation’s vital contribution to our society.”

Thomas remains a trustee of the learning disability arts organisation, HeartnSoul and as a strategic adviser to the criminal justice campaign, Make Justice Work.