Eliot Heilpern is the new chief executive of Wizo UK, which supports more than 800 social welfare and educational projects in Israel.

The role is a career change for Mr Heilpern after a lifetime in the financial services industry both here and abroad.

He took up the role last week after leaving his job as vice-president and senior global relationship manager for treasury services at Bank of New York Mellon.

He intends to bring his banking experience to bear on the charity.

“It’s a great cause but without funding and correct revenue streams you can’t succeed,” Mr Heilpern said. “In that sense, it’s no different to the commercial sector.

“They were looking for someone who could take Wizo to the next level and I wanted to give something back to the community.

“The organisation supports a range of diverse activities and exciting initiatives in Israel that people are not aware of in the UK. It’s vital we promote that work while also fundraising and increasing the membership.”

Wizo UK has previously had a male CEO — Marcus Fielding held the post for seven years until his death in 2006 — and Igal Dekel is the World Wizo director. Mr Heilpern said his gender was irrelevant to the role.

“It’s what the individual can bring to the table. That could be a man or a woman. It makes no difference.”

Married with three children, he lives in Bushey and belongs to Bushey Synagogue.