York Minster has a new chief finance officer.
Jen Thewsey will take up the role on Monday (6 January). She joins the Minster team from York Archaeology where she worked for more than five years, first as a management accountant and more recently as the charity’s director of finance.
Jen grew up in York and remembers being brought to the Minster by her dad, a tradition she has carried on with her two boys who are frequent ‘Little Explorers’.
She said: “I love working in the charitable sector, particularly the way financial surplus goes back into supporting works for the public good and, growing up and raising my own family in York, I am so aware of the good the Minster does.
“The Minster has a wonderful energy about it, and it’s clear from the people I’ve met so far that the Minster has a close-knit team. I’m really excited to become a part of that.”
David Colthup, the cathedral’s chief operating officer, said: “I am delighted to have Jen on board. She joins us at a pivotal time for the Minster as we are starting to see our Mission, Vision and Strategy for 2030 being realised.
“Jen’s work will be crucial to underpin both the day-to-day running of this extraordinary heritage estate, and the exciting plans we have to transform how we operate to meet some very significant challenges facing the sector.
“Jen’s experience, both in the sector and in the city, make her a valuable addition to the team and we look forward to welcoming her.”
Her appointment comes after a challenging few years for York Minster.
The pandemic had a ‘catastrophic’ impact on its finances which led to more than 50 job losses and the decision to close the Minster School.
But with the return of visitors, the Minster first cut its losses then ended with a surplus of £2.7m in December 2023.