David Saunderson is to succeed Sir Christopher Wates as chairman of the Fresh Expressions board from 1 January 2010.

Fresh Expressions is an iniative of the Church of England and Methodist Church that encourages new forms of church for a fast changing world, and works with Christians from a variety of denominations and traditions.

The initiative has helped establish new churches and congregations in skateparks, leisure centres, schools and among people who find it difficult to engage with more traditional forms of church.

Mr Saunderson currently serves on the board of several private companies and charities and is Senior Adviser to Liquid Capital Group, a listed options market maker in London, Chicago and Sydney.

He sold Saunderson Ventures Ltd, with subsidiary Saunderson House Ltd, at the end of 2001 to Irish financial services group, IFG Group plc, serving on that board for two years as Chief Executive of the UK operations.

Mr Saunderson is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists. He is a Trustee of The Besom, The Cambridge Theological Federation, and The Henry Martyn Trust, and acted as Chair of the Finance Committee for the Soul Survivor Soul in the City 2004 London mission.

Bishop Graham Cray, leader of the Fresh Expressions team, said: “We are enormously grateful for the skill, support and dedication of Sir Christopher Wates in all his work for us. As we enter the next stage in the life of Fresh Expressions, we are delighted to welcome David Saunderson as Christopher’s very worthy successor.

“His business record speaks for itself, and we look forward to working with him in developing the initiative which has seen hundreds of new congregations being formed alongside traditional churches across the country.”