Tony Gardiner has been appointed as the new Finance Director for the Diocese of Sheffield. Having started his role earlier this month, Tony will lead the Finance Team and takes over from Mark Wigglesworth, who has been acting as Interim Finance Director during 2024.
Originally from Ipswich, Tony trained as a Chartered Accountant with EY in Birmingham and moved to Sheffield in 1996 and has worked across Yorkshire as a Finance Director/CFO within various companies ranging from an international law firm through to telecoms and intellectual property. Prior to joining the Diocese, Tony worked for a life science company developing next generation cancer therapies.
Tony and his family live in Harley, near Wentworth and have worshipped within the Diocese for many years. Tony has spent time as a church warden and PCC member for St. John’s Chapeltown in the past.
Speaking about his new role, Tony said:
“For some time, I have felt God calling me to use my skills learnt in the world of finance to benefit the communities that I live in and help to grow God’s kingdom. It wasn’t clear initially exactly what God’s plan for me was, but a tap on the shoulder from a friend who works within the Diocese, led to this exciting role.
“It has taken a few months to finish my previous role and to arrive at the Diocese, but I am so pleased to be here and excited to work with my colleagues in Church House and across the wider Diocese. It is my aim to ensure the finances of the Diocese are well managed and able to support some of the excellent initiatives that are ongoing and planned for the future.”
Tony and his wife have three children and have recently celebrated the arrival of their first grandchildren. In his spare time Tony is a keen runner and walker, escaping outdoors into the countryside with family and friends whenever he can.