Lead, the leadership development division of the Jewish Leadership Council has approved a new structure which will see Michelle Janes, currently working as the Director of Programmes and Consultancy, step up to the position of Lead Executive Director, taking over from Nicky Goldman, who moves on to join the Jewish Volunteering Network as their Chief Executive in the new year.

The Lead team were recruited with a view to succession planning and ensuring that there would be strong leadership in place in the event that roles within the team would need to adapt. We are delighted that this forward planning is coming to fruition and that Michelle will be stepping into this role.

Michelle brings with her a wealth of experience in communal leadership, having also completed an MBA with a focus on senior lay-professional relationships within the UK Jewish community. Whilst at Lead, Michelle has greatly expanded a new bespoke consultancy programme, where she has worked with a number of organisations across the community to develop stronger trustee boards, improve internal relationships and communication, set goals, build effective team strategies and develop leadership capacity.

Debbie Fox and Miles Webber, Co-Chairs, Lead said:

“We are delighted to be working with Michelle in her new role and are very excited to continue to work with Miriam and Laurence as together, this Lead team is really well positioned to take Lead onto the next stage of its journey.”

Simon Johnson, Chief Executive, JLC said:

“Lead is a vital division of the JLC, developing our community leadership through effective and engaging programmes. We are delighted that succession planning within the organisation has proven to be effective. This is a huge vote of confidence in the existing Lead team.”

Michelle Janes, incoming Executive Director, Lead said: “As someone who has experienced the benefit of leadership development through Lead’s programming, I’m thrilled to be in a position to work with the wealth of exceptional leadership our community has to offer. There is so much potential impact that Lead can have on individuals, our community and the wider world, and I look forward to working with inspirational leaders through their individual and shared journeys.”