Steven Wilson named new United Synagogue Chief Exec

The United Synagogue has announced that Dr Steven Wilson is to become the organisation’s next chief executive.

A member of Mill Hill United Synagogue, Dr Wilson is currently executive director of the International Council for Science, a non-profit membership body of 150 national science academies and international scientific unions.

Dr Wilson is a former JFS pupil, a graduate of Oxford University, where he was President of the Jewish Society and holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bristol.

He has been part of the fabric of the United Synagogue since birth. He was brought up in Wembley and has lived in orthodox communities, large and small, across London, the UK and internationally. He is also a former governor at Mathilda Marks Kennedy Jewish Primary School.

Over the last 14 years he has led and held director-level roles at major national and international research organisations with a high degree of success and professionalism.

His experience is primarily in working with and engaging a broad range of stakeholders to build consensus around new strategies, designing strategy implementation plans and monitoring organisational performance.

Wilson said:, “The prospect of joining one of the most distinguished institutions in British-Jewry as chief executive is tremendously exciting.

“I hope to focus on a member centred approach to building successful communities, which deliver authentic, inclusive and modern Torah Judaism. That will mean an open channel of dialogue with the membership and their local communities to understand how the US can adapt to best serve their needs.”

Stephen Pack, President of the United Synagogue said: “We are fortunate to have appointed an experienced leader with the skills we need to help the US to move to the next stage of its development. He has a great track record of success of working with membership based organisations.

“He has grown up in our community and has an excellent appreciation of the US, and shares our vision of the key priorities required to ensure we succeed.”

Dr Wilson is married to Susannah and they have two daughters. He is a keen traveller, and enjoys cooking and the arts.