London, 24 August 2022: The Charity Commission has confirmed five new appointments to the Board of Trustees at YGAM. The latest trustees bring a diverse wealth of experience and talent to the board as the planning of a new 3-year strategy progresses.
The new appointments enhance the exceptional team of Trustees who are responsible for the robust governance of the charity. YGAM received substantial interest, with an incredible calibre of applicants in a far-reaching search using charity sector recruitment specialists. The new board will now lead the charity through its sustained growth and develop the organisations strategy for the coming years.
Mike Wojcik, Chair of YGAM, praised the appointments saying “I’m thrilled to welcome our new trustees to the charity and delighted we continue to attract professionals with such ability, experience, and knowledge. They are joining the board at a crucial time as we build on our reputation as a sector leading education charity and develop our ambitious new strategy which will be launched at the start of 2023. It’s already apparent that the newly revitalised Board will achieve great things in supporting the excellent staff team to achieve impact our social purpose.”
YGAM has onboarded professionals with specialisms in a range of fields including finance, fundraising, research, gaming and esports.
Anna Greaves is a proven fundraising professional with fourteen years of experience. Anna is currently part of the fundraising team at national homelessness charity, Crisis UK having previously worked in fundraising across the charity and cultural sectors. She said: “YGAM is an exciting organisation doing vital, ground-breaking work and I’m delighted to have been appointed to the Trustee board. I hope to contribute both my extensive experience as a fundraiser and lived experience of the gaming sector to their work. I’m passionate about ensuring that gaming spaces are safe for everyone – especially women and girls and the LGBTQ+ community.”
Clive Reeves joins the charity following a successful career in the sports industry, including roles within English football. In his current role at PwC, Clive is the firm’s global sports leader and works with international governing bodies, leagues, teams, investors, sports media and tech businesses providing strategy and M&A advisory services. Clive is also the leader of PwC’s global esports network and he has experience of advising numerous international esports businesses. He said: “I am excited to become a trustee at YGAM as I believe in our social purpose to educate and safeguard young people against gaming and gambling harms. I look forward to sharing my sports and esports industry experience with the team and helping shape the future direction of YGAM.”
Paul Morris is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Paul has worked in many global roles in financial management for numerous multinational businesses and is currently the Vice President Business Risk Management at State Street Corporation. He said “YGAM’s work is very important in a world where young people are increasingly surrounded by gambling and gaming related risks which can cause serious harm to themselves and their loved ones. Researching, understanding, and educating people about these risks and harm prevention is incredibly valuable. I am very proud to have an opportunity to use my business and professional experience to support YGAM in its mission in the years to come.”
David Miller has also been appointed to the board and brings expertise in marketing, gaming, and digital content. David currently works for the international children’s charity, War Child, where he runs partnerships and fundraising operations. His career has involved spells working at ITV Studios and EA Sports as well as his work as a mentor for the Promise Foundation. He said “I was honoured to be invited to the board of YGAM. With 25 experience years in the video games industry, I hope I can advise the organisation with a clear eye on issues of gaming harms.”
Glen Fendley is an experienced charity director of 25 years – including over ten years in fundraising voluntary leadership roles. Glen has previously been part of the teams at NSPCC, WWF and The Children’s Society leading diversified fundraising strategies.
YGAM encouraged applications from people at all stages of their career, from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.
All members of the board are independent of the gambling industry, and all give their time voluntarily. Within the charity’s tight governance structures, YGAM has a Finance, Audit & Risk Committee who amongst other things, scrutinise all our donations and support the Senior Leadership Team to ensure that at no time is independence compromised.
A new 3-year strategy will be launched in early 2023.
