World Jewish Congress has named London based Robert Singer, director general of World Ort, as its fourth secretary general in under six years.

The WJC is an international organisation which represents Jewish communities and organisations in over 100 countries.

Mr Singer will replace New Yorker and foreign affairs analyst Dan Diker who resigned in December 2012 after two and a half years citing “administrative reasons”.

In the role before Mr Diker was South African born Michael Schneider who took the position in September 2007. Mr Schneider replaced American Stephen Herbits who became secretary general in 2005.

Mr Singer will leave his role as director general and chief executive officer at Jewish educational NGO World Ort after 14 years. A former IDF officer, Mr Singer worked in the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office for 12 years before joining Ort.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said: “We are delighted that Robert will be joining us at the WJC. He brings a wealth of experience with him from his work in Israel and internationally. He has had tremendous achievements at World Ort, where he also gained a great appreciation for many of our Jewish communities around the world.”