Former JFS headteacher appointed new S&P chief executive

The board of the S&P Sephardi Community has appointed former JFS headteacher Rachel Fink as its new chief executive.

Fink has been working for the organisation as a consultant since her sudden departure from the leading London Jewish secondary school and her appointment was announced on Tuesday, just a day before the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The S&P said that Fink had “developed a comprehensive knowledge of the Community” during her consultancy role and offered “a depth of professional knowledge and expertise, firm grounding and experience in the Jewish world, diverse worldly knowledge, and a full appreciation of our history and traditions”.

She replaces Ian Stewart, who was praised for “constantly going above and beyond the call of duty” during his tenure as interim chief executive, while at the same time continuing in his existing position as chief operating officer.

“We are very grateful for Ian’s insight, hard work, and attention to detail, and his unwavering support,” said Parnas President, Prof Stuart Morganstein. “Ian will continue in his role and bring great value to the Community’s leadership. Together, Rachel and Ian will be an excellent team.”

As the announcement was made, concerns were voiced in private about the timing of Fink’s appointment – one day before the AGM – despite her choice having been widely anticipated.

It comes at a time of change for the organisation, with Senior Rabbi Joseph Dweck due to benefit from a new Office of the Senior Rabbi, allowing him to develop new initiatives, including in the field of education.

In a leaked interim report, which also noted “extensive weaknesses” within the S&P Community, Fink said that not creating a specific Office for Dweck would have meant risking the loss of one of the Jewish community’s “greatest assets”.