Reform Judaism appoint Sir Trevor Chinn as new president

Jewish community grandee Sir Trevor Chinn has become the new president of the Movement for Reform Judaism, while the finance chief of a well-known family-run costumier has become its new chair.

The changes at the top were made during MRJ’s annual general meeting, with Chinn’s appointment unanimously approved. He takes over from Rabbi Prof. Tony Bayfield, who retires after five years in the role.

Elsewhere Geoffrey Marx, the finance director of BAFTA-winning Angels Costumes, takes over from Robert Weiner, while Jonathan Oppenheimer of Wimbledon Synagogue was elected vice-chair.

Weiner paid tribute to Bayfield, who he said had been “instrumental in MRJ’s development,” and noted the “considerable impact” of his interfaith work.

Chinn, who together with Marx is a member of West London Synagogue, brings a wealth of experience to the role. A former Chairman of the Lex Garages and the RAC, he has also led small start-ups, including car-sharing clubs and traffic information companies.

Outside the City, Chinn has been chairman then president of UJIA, president of Norwood, vice-president and trustee of the Jewish Leadership Council, and as a member of the executive committee of BICOM.

“I am delighted that Sir Trevor has been appointed,” said Weiner. “His contribution to causes within and beyond our community embodies our commitment to building a just society through social action and tikkun olam (repair of the world). He will be an excellent representative of our values on the communal and national stage”.