Lord Kestenbaum has been appointed President of Team Maccabi GB for next summer's Maccabiah Games.

With 17 months until the 'Jewish Olympics', Maccabi GB, in partnership with UJIA, have installed Lord Kestenbaum, who has previously served on the Boards of the JCC, of London Maccabi and of Finchley Synagogue.

Lord Kestenbaum has been involved with Maccabi GB for many years. He has represented Great Britain in Masters Football at the 2001 Maccabiah and in 2009, he managed the GB Open Football team at the 18th Maccabiah in Israel; his team went on to reach the final and became the first Open Football team in 50 years to win a medal. Last year, Lord Kestenbaum was President of Team GB at the European Maccabi Games in Vienna.

Lord Kestenbaum said: "I am delighted and honoured to accept the position of President of Team Maccabi GB at next summer’s Games.

"I strongly identify with Maccabi GB’s mission and am thrilled to maintain an involvement in their International events (this time without a track suit on!)"

Lord Kestenbaum is Chief Operating Officer at RIT Capital Partners PLC, the publicly quoted investment trust founded by Lord Rothschild. He is also Chairman of Five Arrows Limited.

Speaking of the appointment, David Kyte, Maccabi's GB Head of Delegation, said: "We are delighted that Jonathan has agreed to continue as Team GB President for the 2013 Maccabiah Games.

"JK's unwavering support built on his own Maccabiah experiences coupled with his enthusiasm and love for Israel will be an inspiration to the whole squad."