Russam is delighted to announce the hire of Ian Cohen as the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). 

CAF is one of the largest charitable foundations in Europe providing financial services tailored to meet the needs of charities and social purpose organisations.  As one of the largest providers of philanthropic services to donors, charities and companies worldwide CAF distributed almost £1billion to charities in the year 20/21. CAF operates an international network spanning six continents with services provided by local experts in nine countries.

CAF offers a wide range of support to individual and company donors, and charities notably; banking and investment services, financing and lending, payroll giving and early venture support.  CAF also provides advice and support to policymakers and governments worldwide.

CAF is undergoing a transformation that will support its ambition to grow its reach and impact around the world through new digital and improved existing capabilities, strengthening quality and efficiency, and delivering service excellence and sustainable growth.

Cathy Kay introduced CAF to Ian as he sought to refocus his career and to use his experience of achieving strategic transformation and growth within the third sector. Ian’s career began in Software Engineering and developed into a career within financial services spanning Europe, the Middle East and Asia including roles as Vice President for Morgan Stanley, CEO for Jiway / Swedish Stock Exchange and CSO and COO for HSBC.

I am delighted be joining the fantastic Charities Aid Foundation team.  I feel genuinely privileged, and frankly humbled to join the team on the vitally important mission of enabling help to be given where help is most needed.

Ian Cohen new Group Chief Operating Officer

CAF is delighted to welcome Ian to our Group Executive Board and his appointment is a key step in delivering our ambitious plans for growing CAF’s positive impact in supporting charities around the world.

David Jessop, Executive Director – People and Purpose