Michael Newman OBE

CEO

Michael has been Chief Executive since July 2012, having joined the AJR in January 2001.

Working closely with the Board of Trustees and the senior management team, he has overall responsibility for implementing strategy and delivering services and for the day-to-day operations of the AJR. As well as being an adviser on Holocaust-era restitution issues, guiding Holocaust survivors and refugees, and their families, with applications for compensation and the recovery of Holocaust-era assets, Michael worked with the UK government to create the position of UK Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues and continues to advise governments on these matters.

Michael is a member of the UK delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and is the 2026 chair of the IHRA’s Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial. He is a regular speaker, panellist and moderator at commemorative, cultural and literary events.

Meet more of the team

Gemma Blane

Head of Marketing and Communications

Susan Harrod

Head of Outreach and Events

Debra Barnes

Head of Next Generations

Fran Horwich

Head of Volunteer and Community Services

Nicole Valens

Head of Social Work

Alex Maws

Head of Education and Heritage

Karen Markham

Head of HR and Administration

Adam Daniels

Finance Director