Peter Levy, who has been chairman of the Jewish Chronicle for five years, is retiring from the role, the JC announced this week. He will also be stepping down from the board of directors.

Mr Levy said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to chair the JC, but this is an appropriate time for me to step down, with a new editor and hopefully a new era of continued success for the Jewish Chronicle."

Mr Levy, who has also just relinquished his role as chairman of the JPR, the Institute for Jewish Policy Research, has had a long career of communal involvement, and has been praised for his "ethical commitment to public service." A key player in the creation of the Reform Movement's Sternberg Centre and long-time supporter of the campaign to create more Jewish day schools, Mr Levy was appointed OBE in 1991 for his work with the charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The JC’s commercial director, Alan Rubenstein, said: “Having worked closely with Peter for 15 years both as a director and chairman, his contribution has been immense and I know that I speak on behalf of all the staff in wishing him well for the future.”