British Red Cross director of fundraising Mark Astarita has been appointed as the new chair of the Institute of Fundraising.

Astarita, who has sat on the board of the Institute for the past three years, was today announced as the successor to Paul Amadi, director of fundraising at NSPCC, who vacated the post last year.

He will remain in the post for a year, while the Institute makes changes to its governance structure.

The new chair said that now is a critical time for fundraisers to play a role in shaping the future of charities and the country.

“While the Big Society is on everyone’s lips, in reality it is very much in fundraisers’ hands to turn this big hope into a wonderful reality,” he said.  

“To be able to play a small part in helping to shape current and future fundraising by becoming Chair of the Institute of Fundraising is a huge privilege. I am honoured to help develop our country’s giving agenda.”

Acting chair of the Institute Alan Gosschalk welcomed the appointment of Astarita, who the Institute said in its announcement is responsible for raising more than £750m for charity over his career.

“Mark has exciting and innovative ideas for the Institute, and we look forward to working with him,” said Gosschalk.