Despite the impact of the economic downturn on charities, Bible Society has recruited two key players to its leadership team. Both say they were attracted to the charity because of its good performance and its success in keeping fundraising income above targets.

Stuart Rivers (47), Bible Society’s new Executive Director of Enterprises says, ‘Bible Society is in a healthy position at a time when some other Christian charities are feeling the pressure of the economic downturn. There is more work to do to ensure future growth, but many opportunities out there too.’

Stuart’s responsibility encompasses Bible Society’s trading arm, Bible Society Resources Ltd. He also oversees Christian Resources Exhibition and Christian Research. Previously he spent 15 years at Ericsson, developing international business, before being appointed as Global Contracts Director with Ericsson Enterprise in Sweden. He then had a complete career change following a calling to work for the last four years as an officer in the Salvation Army.

Matt Parkes (35) has joined Bible Society as Director of Fundraising. Previously he was Client Services Director at marketing agency Bluefrog, helping some of the UK’s top charities with their fundraising. Matt’s fundraising experience includes CAFOD and ChildLine where he oversaw their merger with the NSPCC.

Matt says, ‘Bible Society is all about seeing lives changed through the Bible. That’s a mission on the heart of many Christians in this country, and we provide opportunities for people to join with us – through giving, praying and volunteering – to take the Bible around the world.’

James Catford, Bible Society’s Group Chief Executive, said, ‘It is wonderful that Bible Society is able to recruit people of this experience and calibre. They will help us achieve our goal – to see the Bible shaping the lives of people and communities everywhere.’

Meanwhile, Bible Society’s previous Director of Fundraising and Communications, Peter Meadows, has been seconded as Communications Director to More Than Gold – the UK church’s united response to the 2012 Olympic Games. Peter, who co-founded Spring Harvest and founded Premier Radio and Buzz magazine (now Christianity magazine), continues as Associate Director at Bible Society.