Our current Director of Finance, John Orridge, has been appointed as the new Director of Finance at Oxford Diocese. John will leave us at the end of December to begin his new role in the new year.
We will be putting in hand interim arrangements whilst we search for a successor and we have already begun discussions with a recruitment agency. We are putting measures in place to ensure a swift and thorough recruitment process, and a smooth transition in order to maintain the excellent financial management which John has overseen for us for the last decade.
Diocesan Secretary, Jonathan Kerry, said John will be hugely missed by us all but this is an excellent move for him, as well as for Oxford. We will have an opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to John at a later date, even if very possibly not in person.
“I would like to congratulate John on his new appointment and wish him every happiness and success when he moves to Oxford. It has been a huge privilege and pleasure to work with him for nearly ten years. John has a unique blend of financial acumen and a passion for Mission, with a ‘can do’ approach to challenges large and small. Thank you John, and every blessing for the future!” said Jonathan.
John has been our Director of Finance and Support Services, a role which saw him take ownership of the effective management of the Diocese of Leicester’s financial assets. Prior to joining the Diocese of Leicester, he worked as an auditor for some of the world’s most well-known accountancy firms, including Grant Thornton, Deloitte and Macintyre Hudson.
Whilst John says that he has been a man of faith for many years, it was when he decided to set up his own accountancy consultancy that he realised his true path lay with the Church.
“I am a firm believer in the fact that God has a plan for us all and it was his guidance that led me to take on a contract with the Diocese of Leicester, which then blossomed into a full time, permanent role. God has been a constant throughout my career and helped to guide my way, opening doors at exactly the right moment,” said John.
John said he and his wife, Harriet, who is a Vicar in a rural parish in Lincoln Diocese, are looking forward to taking this journey in our faith, together.
Whilst keen to begin his work with the Diocese of Oxford, he is all too aware of the team he leaves behind; one which he credits with helping him grow in faith and compassion.
“The team at the Diocese of Leicester have been a huge part of my life for the last decade, not only professionally but also spiritually and I leave, knowing I have friends for life. Their dedication, commitment and friendship have been invaluable, and I shall miss them all hugely,” said John.
