Tony Bennett steps down as chief executive of Clubs for Young People
Gabriella Jozwiak
Monday, November 1, 2010
Clubs for Young People's chief executive has announced his resignation as talks continue on the organisation's proposed merger with charity Catch22, CYP Now has learned.
Tony Bennett is replaced by former director of services Helen Marshall, who came into post yesterday (Monday 1 November), taking the new title of chief operating officer.
The news came to light as representatives from Clubs for Young People’s member bodies told CYP Now they are meeting Catch22 on 17 November to discuss merger plans.
The charity reopened merger talks with UK Youth in June but it is understood discussions between the two parties stalled after Clubs for Young People members felt they would lose their identity under the deal.
A member of Clubs for Young People has said that the current plans have not been greeted warmly, although Catch22 has indicated it will not change the name or objectives of the organisation if the merger takes place.
Bennett would not comment on the plans because of his departure, but Marshall said the two organisations were holding "exploration discussions" and plans had not been finalised. A second Clubs for Young People spokeswoman said the charity was awaiting confirmation from its trustees.
Catch22 issued a statement saying it was in talks with Clubs for Young People about how the two organisations "could work more closely together".
On her appointment, Marshall said she was "really excited to be leading Clubs for young people". "These are challenging times for all our members, but there are opportunities ahead," she added.
Bennett joined the organisation at the end of 2009 after a successful business career at companies such as WHSmith and Thomas Cook. He is said to have left the charity for "personal reasons".
