Joe Jenkins has been appointed to the role at Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation and brings 25 years of experience in the charity sector. He will officially start in March 2026.
He is currently the Executive Director for Social Impact at The Children’s Society, and has held leadership roles at RNIB, Friends of the Earth, Refugee Action and the Institute of Fundraising.
Carina Bauer, chair of trustees at Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joe to the Foundation team.
“He brings significant experience in strategic leadership, a deep passion for building strong partnerships and a clear commitment to unlocking the potential of young people and communities.
“As we look to the future, Joe’s values and experience make him an excellent fit to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.”
Mr Jenkins will lead the Foundation as it builds on its 35-year legacy of using football to drive positive impact across Sussex communities.
Mr Jenkins said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining the Foundation at such an important moment in its journey.
“The Foundation has a strong reputation for delivering meaningful, life-changing work and I am excited to build on that legacy.
“I’m passionate about using the power of football to create opportunity, improve wellbeing and support young people and communities across Sussex, and I’m really looking forward to working with the existing team, partners and participants to grow our impact together.”
Paul Barber, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion, said: “On behalf of everyone at the Albion, I’d like to warmly welcome Joe to the Club.
“The Foundation plays a vital role in our connection to the local community, and we’re delighted to see Joe lead this work forward and help strengthen the positive impact the club has across Sussex.”