Following the news that Aaron Barbour, our Chief Executive, is due to leave us after ten years in post, the trustees are delighted to announce that the next Chief Executive of Katherine Low Settlement will be Sarah Gibb.
Sarah brings with her a wealth of relevant experience. She is currently Chief Executive of Time and Talents Association, a settlement charity in South East London which aims to reduce loneliness and build stronger, less divided communities. She has 18 years experience of leadership in the third sector, which follow 20 years in the private sector and civil service. Sarah has been a charity volunteer and trustee and is currently a refugee mentor with HostNation. Sarah is a passionate advocate for equity and social justice.
Sarah will join KLS on 25th September 2023 and, after a managed handover, we will finally bid farewell to Aaron at KLS’s AGM and party on Wednesday, 4th October 2023.
Sarah Gibb, incoming CEO said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the role of Chief Executive at Katherine Low Settlement. Guided by its exceptional reputation as a Battersea anchor institution, I am committed to leading KLS through the 2024 centenary milestone and beyond. With the new 5-year strategy and action plan as a roadmap, I look forward to getting to know and collaborating with the KLS community to uphold our identity, fostering community, promoting empowerment, combating poverty, and reducing isolation.”
Aaron Barbour, outgoing CEO said:
“After 10 glorious years it’s time for me to move on and have some new adventures. It’s been an absolutely honour leading KLS. By working with our members, partners and supporters, my amazing team of staff and volunteers, continue to make a significant difference to the community here in Battersea. Long may it last. I’m delighted the trustees have appointed Sarah as the next CEO and look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth handover.”
Ben Thomas, Chair of Trustees, said:
“We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Aaron for his outstanding service to the aims of the charity, to our members at KLS and to the wider Battersea community throughout the course of the last decade. He has built a strong and thriving community, a committed team and a firm foundation of supporters and he leaves the charity in good heart and excellent shape as we approach our centenary year. We are delighted to welcome Sarah Gibb as our new Chief Executive. It was clear from the outset that Sarah is in tune with the heart of KLS and she brings a wealth of relevant experience to the charity and to our community, as she leads us into the future. I hope that many of our members, volunteers and supporters will be able to join our AGM and party on Wednesday, 4th October, to say thank you to Aaron and to welcome Sarah. It should be quite a party!”