Steve Kingstone to join the DofE as Executive Director of Strategy and Engagement

The DofE has announced the second of its three new Executive Director appointments – Steve Kingstone will start on 24 August as the charity’s Executive Director of Strategy and Engagement.

Steve joins from Oxfam GB where, as Communications Director, he has led on communications and storytelling across the full range of the charity’s work, including its response to the coronavirus pandemic and the acclaimed Second Hand September campaign. He has also helped shape and articulate Oxfam’s commitment to culture change and improved safeguarding.

Previously, Steve worked at Buckingham Palace as The Queen’s Media Secretary. In 2015 he accompanied Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh to Malta, on their final overseas visit together. Prior to his communications roles, Steve enjoyed a long reporting career with BBC News, which included overseas postings to Washington, Sao Paulo, Madrid and Brussels.

Steve said: “I am thrilled to be joining the DofE at such an exciting time in its history. The memories and testimonials shared by DofE alumni following The Duke of Edinburgh’s passing showed the transformative impact the charity has had on so many lives, and I am inspired by the ambition to reach even more young people, especially those who are marginalised or disadvantaged. The opportunities DofE offers have never been more important and it will be a privilege to play a part in its journey.”

Steve’s appointment follows the announcement earlier this month that Rebecca Kennelly MBE will join the DofE in July as its Executive Director of UK Operations. The third Executive Director role, Chief Financial Officer, will be announced in due course. The three roles were created to support the DofE to implement its new five-year strategy, launching at the beginning of June.

Ruth Marvel, DofE CEO said: “We have an ambitious new strategy to build our profile, extend the reach of our brand and represent the needs, interests and voices of young people across all aspects of our work. The Executive Director of Strategy and Engagement is critical in making that happen and I’m delighted that Steve is joining us with his wealth of experience as a senior leader across journalism and communications.”