We appoint our new chief executive

_{October 3, 2017}

Phil Andrew has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of StepChange Debt Charity. He will take up the post on November 20th, taking over from Mike O’Connor CBE.

Phil’s most recent role was as Chief Executive of Working Links which provides innovative interventions to disadvantaged and socially-excluded groups within the UK, Ireland and the Middle East. This includes employment advice and rehabilitation services. During his four years leading the organisation, Working Links saw a significant growth in income and in the number of people it helped.

Prior to joining Working Links, Phil held a number of senior positions in the UK and France. These included the role of Chief Executive for Sodexo Justice Services which runs rehabilitation and custodial services, and Chief Financial Officer for Sodexo UK and Ireland. Before this, Phil worked in a number of international businesses based in the UK, Ireland, Asia and Russia.

Sir Hector Sants, Chairman of StepChange Debt Charity, said: “Phil comes with a wealth of experience that will prove invaluable to the charity. I look forward to working with him in what will be a hugely important time for the charity given the growing need for our services in helping people struggling with problem debt and as we continue to campaign for policies which will prevent people falling into problem debt.”

Commenting on his appointment Phil said: “StepChange Debt Charity has made a major difference to the lives of millions of people across the UK. The number of people seeking the charity’s help has grown by 66% in five years to around 600,000 people a year. With demand for debt advice set to grow and many household finances on a knife edge, the work of the charity is more important than ever. I look forward to the challenge of ensuring that the charity can continue to help increasing numbers of people directly and to continue influencing policy change to prevent or reduce the harm of problem debt.”