Leeds Jewish Welfare Board chief executive Rebecca Weinberg has announced that she will be stepping down in a year’s time, giving the trustees time to recruit her successor.

“Making the decision to retire has not been easy but I feel sure that the time is right,” said Mrs Weinberg, who joined in 2004.”Working with the most incredibly talented professional and lay teams has been the most humbling and rewarding experience of my professional life.”

The board has changed dramatically during her tenure. It has moved to new premises and launched the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff community centre as a social enterprise.

“Leading LJWB has been a true privilege and I know the next 12 months will be an emotional but very special time.

“The charity has a wonderful reputation in local and wider communities and my successor will be taking forward an amazing organisation of which I am immensely proud.”
President Edward Ziff said replacing Mrs Weinberg would be difficult. “It has been a privilege to work with her. She will be a tough act to follow.”