Community Foundation appoints new CEO

10th October 2024

Martin Singer has been appointed as the new chief executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).

He will take up the role in Spring 2025 on the retirement of SYCF’s current CEO, Ruth Willis.

Martin joins from South Yorkshire Charity Mentors (SYCM) where he holds the position of CEO. He is also an independent consultant for the voluntary sector and small businesses, and formerly a Commercial Director in the private sector. 

Martin held senior roles and led large teams at the John Lewis Partnership, Debenhams and Waitrose. He is also a Director and a Trustee at Sheffield Museums and Age UK Rotherham, as well as a Director at Sheffield Cathedral Enterprises. He was a founding member of Sheffield Business Together. 

SYCF is the region’s largest local grant giving charity and last year awarded more than £1.7m to more than 400 community groups and organisations.

Chris Booth-Mayblin, chair of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “Martin is a hugely experienced leader with a strong background in building successful teams, creating strategies and leading change, innovation and transformation. 

“He has a proven track record of delivering results through collaborative working, combined with outstanding skills in delivering strategic solutions to challenging business wide issues and a deep purpose and passion for the not-for-profit sector. 

“We’re confident he will be instrumental in driving us forward to achieve even greater things as we look to build on the solid foundations and success delivered by our outgoing CEO, Ruth Willis, who has given tremendous service to the Community Foundation over the last 12 years.”

Martin Singer said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as CEO of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and looking forward to leading the team as we enter an exciting new era.

“Under Ruth’s leadership, SYCF has significantly expanded and grown into the incredible organisation it is it today. For almost four decades, it has played a pivotal role in building stronger communities and enriching lives by awarding grants, which help tackle the critical issues affecting local people.

“SYCF’s mission to support community groups throughout the region and help people facing hardship and disadvantage aligns with my own visions and values developed during a career dedicated to the voluntary sector.

“I look forward to working with the fantastic team of SYCF staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and donors as we strive to act as a catalyst for even bigger and greater change in South Yorkshire, building on the incredible work already delivered during Ruth’s tenure.”  

For the next six months, Martin will continue to lead South Yorkshire Charity Mentors - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which provides free support to voluntary sector leaders across the region. 

Tony Pedder, chair of South Yorkshire Charity Mentors, said: “We are delighted that Martin Singer’s excellent skills and knowledge of the voluntary sector has been recognised by this appointment.”
 
For more information visit www.sycf.org.uk.