LSJS chief Joanne Greenaway to step down after seven years as CEO

Joanne Greenaway is to step down as chief executive of the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) in April, concluding seven years of leadership that saw the organisation significantly expand its reach, reputation and impact across Jewish education in the UK and internationally.

Announcing the move on Sunday, LSJS praised Greenaway’s tenure as a period of sustained growth, innovation and strengthened communal collaboration. She will continue to support the organisation as a senior adviser following her departure from the CEO role.

During her time at LSJS, Greenaway oversaw a major expansion of teaching and training programmes, with the organisation now supporting more than 120 teaching students across six professional tracks. LSJS has also reached thousands of adult learners worldwide through in-person, online and international initiatives.

Under her leadership, LSJS launched a number of flagship programmes, including Teach to Lead, the European Educators Certificate, a pioneering PhD in Jewish Education, and international Jewish Studies conferences for both primary and secondary school teachers. The organisation now works with institutions in more than 20 countries and collaborates with around 50 Jewish schools across the spectrum.

LSJS also developed a Jewish educational hub on its London campus, now home to 13 organisations, and doubled the size of its educator team to broaden its impact in the community and beyond.

Bill Benjamin, chair of LSJS, paid tribute to Greenaway’s contribution, saying: “Joanne has led LSJS with vision, integrity and huge dedication. Her impact has been profound: she has strengthened our academic excellence, expanded our international reach and ensured LSJS is recognised as a leader in Jewish education across Europe and beyond. Joanne leaves the organisation in excellent health.”

Reflecting on her time at LSJS, Greenaway said: “It has been an honour to serve and grow LSJS as its first female CEO. LSJS has always been my learning and spiritual home – a place where I studied under Rabbi Sacks zt’l and where I have been privileged to continue that legacy.

“I am deeply proud of what we have built together: our role as a centre of excellence for Jewish education and as a unifying force in British Jewish life… Above all, I am profoundly grateful to our exceptional staff team, whose passion, commitment and talent have driven every success.”

Following her departure, Greenaway plans to expand her teaching and religious leadership work after completing the four-year International Halakha Scholars Program at Ohr Torah Stone. She will continue hosting her Women’s Gallery podcast, complete her book on Get refusal and pursue further postgraduate study towards a PhD.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis praised her leadership, saying: “Joanne Greenaway has led LSJS with extraordinary dedication to Jewish learning and educational leadership in the UK and well beyond. Nothing is more essential for securing our Jewish future than outstanding education, and we are incredibly fortunate that so many have benefited from Joanne’s leadership and strategic vision.”

LSJS chief operating officer Paul Gould will serve as interim CEO while the board considers next steps for permanent leadership.