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Monica Shafaq has been appointed CEO of Gordon Moody – a UK-based charity which provides support and treatment to those suffering from severe gambling harm.
Following what the company described as an ‘extensive and thorough’ recruitment process conducted by its board of trustees over recent months, Shafaq will take over in January of next year.
Bringing around 13 years of experience in the charity sector, the CEO will join Gordon Moody from mental health and wellbeing organisation, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, where she has served as CEO since 2010.
Claire Arnold, Gordon Moody Trustee, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Monica to the Gordon Moody team as our new CEO, and we would also like to express our sincere thanks to our departing CEO, Matthew Hickey, who has worked tirelessly to advance our cause over the past four years.”
Monica succeeds Hickey, who will continue to support the leadership team at Gordon Moody until the end of the year, in the aim of ensuring a seamless transition until Shafaq officially assumes her role in 2024.
“Monica brings a wealth of experience from her work in the charity sector, most recently from The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and her energy for achieving social change will be a huge asset to Gordon Moody,” Arnold continued.
“We look forward to the new era of leadership under Monica Shafaq’s guidance and are confident that her expertise will contribute significantly to our mission of addressing gambling harm and its profound impact on individuals and families.”
Furthermore, the group praised Shafaq’s experience and dedication to the betterment of individuals’ lives.
Notably, during her time in her previous role, she implemented the charity’s rebrand from Sandwell Mind into The Kaleidoscope Plus Group.
“It is a huge privilege to have been appointed the new CEO of Gordon Moody,” Shafaq added on her new role. “It’s an honour to lead an organisation that is committed to making a positive impact to the lives of those affected by gambling harm and to work with the remarkable team of passionate individuals.
“Together, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support, and a path to recovery. I am excited to collaborate with existing partners and stakeholders as well as forging new relationships to drive meaningful change.
“I am leaving The Kaleidoscope Plus Group with a heavy heart but filled with pride for what the team has achieved over the past 13 years. We have done some extraordinary work together fighting for mental health equality and I know that we will remain strong allies going forward.”
