Chartered accountant Jeremy Jacobs is the new United Synagogue chief executive. He will start work in November.

The Belmont Synagogue member was US treasurer for six years before becoming chairman of its youth arm, Tribe, in 2003. “It’s a pleasure to be back,” he told the US council on Monday.

He previously spoke of fulfilling “both a tradition and duty”, given that his family has worked for the US since the 1870s. “I am totally committed to the vision of the US, of a modern and united family of communities connected to vibrant Jewish life and Torah values.”

US president Simon Hochhauser expressed delight at the appointment of a man “with a comprehensive understanding of our organisation and such a passion for the services we provide to our communities”.