Date: 19th May 2006
Richard Desmond appointed new President of Norwood
Norwood this week announced that Richard Desmond, Chairman of Northern Shell (Publishers of OK! Magazine and the Express Group of Newspapers) has been appointed to succeed Sir Trevor Chinn CVO as President of Anglo-Jewry's leading Children & Family Services charity.
Announcing Mr Desmond's appointment, a delighted Norma Brier, Chief Executive said : "Richard has been involved with Norwood for over 20 years, most recently having lent his high-profile support to our plans to move our school from Ravenswood Village into London. He is passionate about our work with children and families and is totally committed to the causes that we represent. Richard has already shown his willingness to lead by example and we are confident that he will be a great national ambassador for us."
Sir Trevor Chinn CVO will be stepping down as President later this year and will become Life President of Norwood. He will remain involved with the charity and will continue to chair its Advisory Council. Speaking about Norwood's outgoing President , Michael Teacher, Chairman said : "On behalf of everyone at Norwood I would like to express my enormous appreciation to Trevor for his invaluable support over the past 10 years and for his wise counsel to our Trustees and our Senior Management Team."
Over the past few months, Norwood has actively sought a suitable successor to Sir Trevor in this prestigious position. Richard Desmond first came into contact with Norwood in the 1980's, he was instrumental in the donation of a Variety Club minibus to Buckets & Spades Lodge - Norwood's respite care home for children with disabilities. His association with the charity has grown steadily over the years. In 2004 his band, The RD Crusaders - a super group which is made up of some of the world's legendary names from the past 40 years of rock and blues, in which Richard plays the drums - came together for an exclusive concert in aid of Norwood. His philanthropic association continues and last year he personally donated £1.8m to the charity.
Welcoming the challenge Richard Desmond said : "I am thrilled to accept the appointment as the next President of Norwood, an organisation which is respected throughout the Jewish and wider community for its pursuit of excellence and is known for its vision, drive and energy - core values which I share. I intend to take a hands-on approach in my new role. My primary focus will be to re-invigorate Norwood's donor base by encouraging younger supporters to come on board, in a big way. Life has been very good to me and its great to have the opportunity to do something significant to help those less fortunate."
For further information please contact Ronit Shebson, Public Relations Manager at Norwood on 020 8420 6900 or email ronit.shebson@norwood.org.uk
