Board of Deputies appoints new Chief Executive

The Board of Deputies has appointed a new Chief Executive after its previous top boss was elevated to the House of Lords.

The organisation today announced Michael Wegier for the role, who has been working as the Board’s interim Chief Executive since April. He succeeds Gillian Merron, who gave up the role after becoming a life peer.

Wegier said it was a “privilege and an honour” to have been appointed, adding he had enjoyed developing a “close relationship” with the Deputies and others in recent months.

“I am relishing the challenge of navigating the next phase of our community’s development,” he said.

The Board’s president, Marie van der Zyl, said she was delighted that Wegier had accepted the post. “In the short time he has been with us he has demonstrated his expertise and vast experience. He is a great asset to our organisation,” she said.

He has previously worked as a Jewish educator, strategic planner and chief executive for Jewish organisations in the UK, Israel, and the United States. 

He also served as Chief Executive of the Melitz Educational Centres in Israel and served two terms at UJIA, one as Director of Programme and later as Chief Executive.