The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has appointed an artificial intelligence and technology expert to lead its board.

Jude Sheeran has been the Europe, Middle East and Africa managing director of AI platform SambaNova Systems for the last year and has spent the last decade in senior private sector tech roles, including a three-year stint as principal of international education and research at Amazon’s cloud technology provider Amazon Web Services.

He is also a former chief executive of cloud and digital tech firm Eduserv and ex-managing director of Silicon Valley headquartered AI firm DataStax.

In addition, he has voluntary sector experience, as a trustee of the NCVO and as a former chief operating officer of health, education, employment and justice provider Shaw Trust.

In being named chair designate Sheeran will replace Dr Priya Singh who is stepping down after leading NCVO’s board since 2020. She has been chair for two terms.

He is to take up the role ahead of the NCVO’s forthcoming five-year strategy.

The NCVO is also looking to recruit four new trustees.

“The role NCVO plays in supporting charities and civil society to thrive is vital, and the role of infrastructure has never been clearer,” said Sheeran.

“I'm looking forward to continuing to work with members, the Board and staff to build on NCVO's strong foundations and ensure we are well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the sector and the communities it works for tirelessly.”

NCVO chief executive Kate Lee added: “I’m excited to be working closely with Jude as our new Chair. His experience and perspective will be instrumental as we deliver our new strategy and support charities to navigate a changing world.”

In April Charity Times revealed the NCVO was facing mounting allegations of entrenched bullying, chaotic decision making by leaders and an internal culture, described by former staff as nepotistic and “completely dysfunctional”.

Concerns have also been raised around changes to its support for small charities.

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