David Arden has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Work Avenue, the Jewish community’s leading employment and business support organisation.

David has held senior roles throughout the private, public and charity sectors – with a focus on strategy, business process and project/program management.

He joins Work Avenue from the S&P Sephardi Community, where he has served as Chief Executive for the last three and a half years.

David previously held senior positions throughout Government and the civil service – including as Strategic Delivery Advisor in the Cabinet Office, Program Delivery Manager in the Home Office and Senior Project Manager on the London 2012 Olympics.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Work Avenue – which plays a vital role in our Jewish community, transforming people’s lives by securing jobs, starting businesses and changing careers.

“This is a very exciting time to be taking up the position of Chief Executive, as our economy begins to recover, meaning there are lots of new opportunities out there for people to earn a living and support themselves and their families.

“My goal is to make sure everyone in our community is aware of all the ways in which Work Avenue can help them – whatever their background, life stage or career journey so far.”

David replaces previous CEO Debbie Sheldon, who left Work Avenue to make Aliyah. Debbie had been with the charity since its inception.

Work Avenue Chair Mark Morris said: “We are delighted to welcome David to our team, who I know will build on Debbie’s incredible work and take Work Avenue to the next level as we emerge from this pandemic and beyond.”