A charity supporting those struggling to cope with sudden or unexpected changes has employed Major General Matthew Sykes, defence services secretary for the Ministry of Defence, as its new chief executive.

Sykes takes over from Jonathan Welfare who retires from the position at Elizabeth Finn Care after 11 years at the helm of the organisation.

Richard Down, chairman of Elizabeth Finn Care said: “I am delighted that Matthew Sykes is joining us to take up the role of chief executive of Elizabeth Finn. The organisation is at an exciting stage in its evolution, and we are all very much looking forward to working with Matthew, with the range of skills, experience and leadership that he brings to the role.”

Sykes joined the Royal Artillery in 1975 before becoming its director as a Brigadier. In the same rank he served in Germany with NATO’s Rapid Reaction Corps as director of corporate communications for the British Army, and he was the last Deputy Commander of the NATO Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Upon promotion to Major General, after further operational duty in Kosovo, he has, since August 2007, served as the defence services secretary in the Royal Household of the Sovereign and in the Ministry of Defence and in January 2009 he became in addition the assistant chief of defence staff (personnel).

Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that supports people struggling to cope with sudden or unexpected changes in their circumstances. In 2008-2009 3,000 British and Irish citizens were given grants totalling £4m by Elizabeth Finn Care.

People from the armed forces are noted as one of Elizabeth Finn's key focus groups, as well as teachers, nurses and farmers among others.

Matthew Sykes will take up his role as chief executive at the end of May, following completion of his current duties.