Strengthening our leadership for greater impact

This is a natural and forward-looking step in our leadership journey. Over the past seven years, Emma and Matthew have shared responsibility through some of the most pivotal moments in our organisation’s history through a CEO and Deputy CEO relationship. Together, they’ve led during periods of growth, challenge and transformation - with deep alignment on our values, mission, and strategic direction.

This decision formalises a model of co-leadership that already exists in practice. By evolving from a CEO/Deputy CEO structure to Co-CEOs, we gain the benefits of shared leadership at minimal additional cost – strengthening our ability to respond with agility, ensure continuity and support our community of food banks. By adopting this structure, we ensure our organisation and community of food banks are well-led, resilient and able to meet extremely high levels of need in a complex and challenging external environment.

Natalie Campbell, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Trussell said: “This appointment is about ensuring the strength and stability of our leadership for the future. As a Co-CEO myself and seeing more and more organisations adopt this model, the Board is confident this will put us in the strongest position to continue delivering impact, especially in a time of uncertainty. It's a move made possible by the unique and effective partnership that Emma and Matthew have built over many years.” 

Emma Revie added: “Matthew and I have worked side by side for years, navigating growth and challenge together. This step gives formal shape to what’s already true in practice - and helps us accelerate our efforts to end hunger in the UK. I’m really excited about what this model makes possible.”

Matthew van Duyvenbode said: "I’m proud to continue working alongside Emma and our brilliant team to build a future where no one needs to turn to a food bank. More organisations are embracing co-leadership as a way to strengthen resilience - and this move shows our Board is thinking boldly and acting ahead of the curve.”

With one in seven people in the UK facing hunger and hardship, it's more important than ever to not lose momentum. Together we can end the need for emergency food, and this leadership structure strengthens our ability to do that.