The Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation has this week announced the leader of a social reform charity as its new chief executive.

The Comet: The corner of Eastcheap and Leys Avenue in Letchworth.The corner of Eastcheap and Leys Avenue in Letchworth. (Image: Archant)

Graham Fisher, who has headed East London-based anti-poverty and social reform charity Toynbee Hall since 2008, was announced as the new Heritage Foundation chief executive on Tuesday, and will take up his new role on April 3.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking up the position of chief executive and I am really looking forward to get know the team, residents and businesses that together make Letchworth a remarkable place, and who value its unique position as the first garden city.

“There are some remarkably strong links between my role and the values here at Toynbee Hall – the first university settlement and the origins of the garden city movement.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to build on and develop this pioneering heritage and safeguard those principles for future generations to enjoy.”

Before joining Toynbee Hall, Graham was chief executive of MLA London, the development agency for museums, libraries and archives – a role which among other things saw him working on the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Interim chief executive Colin Chatfield added: “We’re delighted to have someone of Graham’s calibre joining the Foundation to lead the delivery of our five-year plan for Letchworth.

The Comet: Heritage Foundation interim chief executive Colin Chatfield said he was delighted by the appointment.Heritage Foundation interim chief executive Colin Chatfield said he was delighted by the appointment. (Image: Archant)

“His background in the charity sector as well as heritage, arts and culture means we have found someone who understands the breadth and diversity of the work we do across our charitable commitments.”

Toynbee Hall chair of trustees Julian Corner credited Graham with the ‘literal transformation’ of Toynbee Hall over his eight years in charge, and wished him luck in Letchworth.

“Under Graham’s leadership Toynbee Hall has once again become an influential voice about tackling poverty in London and in the UK,” he said.

“We will miss him very much and extend our very best wishes to him on his exciting new role.”

For more see letchworth.com.