Arun Kataria is to be the diocese’s Director of Communications, the second of two appointments in a month for roles key to delivering the diocese’s new strategic framework. The Director of Communications and the Strategic Programmes Director announced last month, will work closely together.
Arun, who holds a degree in law from Cambridge University, has broad and deep experience in church communications. In a career spanning nearly three decades in Church of England roles, he has worked for the Church Commissioners, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishops Council and as Director of Communications for St Albans Diocese. Most recently he has been a freelance consultant, supporting the Lambeth Conference, Living in Love and Faith and the Disability Task Group whose task is equipping Church of England churches for full Deaf and disabled belonging. Arun lives in Hertfordshire with his wife. They have two adult children who live in Manchester and London, and two cats.
Arun will take up his role in September, spending some time in Lichfield and some working from home. He said: “I am excited to come to work for Lichfield Diocese at this time of opportunity. I have warmed very quickly to the diocese’s vision and strategy and look forward very much to working to make it real to people and to getting to know the varied communities of the diocese.”
Bishop Michael said “I’m really delighted that we’ve been able to appoint Arun. He was a clear choice from interview, bringing as he does a wealth of experience operating in the Church of England and the wider media which will help us all as we proclaim the hope we have, journeying together in the footsteps of St Chad.”
Julie Jones, Diocesan Secretary added “It’s a pleasure to be able to appoint someone with a strong track record in communications, a clear faith and a perceptive mind who will be invaluable in working alongside Bishop’s Staff and the diocesan officers. Along with our new Strategic Programme Director, we are completing a very capable diocesan team as we support parishes, schools, chaplaincies and fresh expressions in achieving our shared goals.”