25 February 2003
The Church Commissioners' Board of Governors has nominated Mr Andrew Brown, FRICS, to be the next Secretary (Chief Executive) to the Commissioners. He is at present the Commissioners' Deputy Secretary and Chief Surveyor. His appointment is subject to confirmation at a Special General Meeting of the Commissioners to be held in April 2003. If confirmed, he will succeed Howell Harris Hughes, who retires at the end of June.
Andrew Brown was selected from amongst 75 applicants for the advertised post. He has been the Church Commissioners' Chief Surveyor since 1994 and Deputy Secretary since 2000. Before coming to the Commissioners he worked in private practice. He is a keen sportsman, having run the London Marathon in 1984 and completing the gruelling 3 peaks challenge in under 24 hours, last year. He is married with two children aged 12 and 8.
Speaking of his appointment today, he said:
'I am extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to serve the Church in this important role, working closely with others drawn from right across the Church of England. The breadth of experience I have gained over the years, most recently as Deputy Secretary to the Commissioners, will be invaluable to me as I work to fulfil the Commissioners' objectives. Most importantly, these include financial assistance for the Church's areas of need and opportunity.'