A leading business group which has raised almost £3 million for the NSPCC has appointed a new chairman.
Chris Thorp, Responsible Business Director at Jaguar Land Rover, has taken up the leadership role with The Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity.
The charity – which used to be called with Coventry and Warwickshire Business Board – has raised funds for the NSPCC for 23 years and was responsible for the setting up of Boole House, in the centre of Coventry, which cares for vulnerable youngsters and their families.
The appointment continues a close connection between Jaguar Land Rover and the group, which was established by the company’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Sir Nick Scheele.
Boole House is named in memory of David Boole, former PR Director for Jaguar Cars who supported the project, while Thorp succeeds Les Ratcliffe the company’s former Head of Community Relations.
Thorp said: “The charity has been a mainstay of the regional business community for more than two decades and has done some superb work in supporting the NSPCC’s activities at Boole House.
“Jaguar Land Rover has been a constant thread throughout that time and I hope to continue that work as well as help the group push forward and develop its activities.
“Sadly, its work is as relevant – if not more so – than it was when the founders first got together and we know the work we do is vital in supporting the NSPCC.
“Les has done a superb job in leading the charity backed by some very hard-working and enthusiastic people, and I am delighted he is staying on the board.”
Thorp leads the Responsible Business team in Jaguar Land Rover's Corporate Affairs department. Previously, he worked at Nissan's European headquarters and also spent seven years with leading motoring title Auto Express.
Ratcliffe, who was chair of the charity for six years, said: “We are delighted to have Chris take over the reins of the group, and that Jaguar Land Rover is continuing its long association with the charity.
“The company was instrumental in the establishment of the group, and has been a constant thread throughout. We get great support from businesses of all sizes and from all sectors and it is very important that Jaguar Land Rover is at the heart of what we do.
“Chris will bring a new perspective and energy to the group and we are very much looking forward to working with him.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Charity organises a host of fundraising events. Its main occasion is the City of Coventry Charity Ball which is at the Ricoh Arena on September 27.