The Revd Canon Andrew Dodd appointed as the next Dean of Coventry

Coventry Cathedral and The Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, are pleased to announce the appointment of the Revd Canon Andrew Dodd as the next Dean of Coventry.

Andrew is currently Canon Treasurer at Canterbury Cathedral, where he oversees major building projects across the Cathedral estate and leads its work on environmental sustainability and achieving Net Zero Carbon. He brings extensive experience of leading change, caring for historic buildings and helping churches respond to the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Before joining Canterbury Cathedral, Andrew spent nine years as Team Rector in Great Grimsby and Area Dean of North East Lincolnshire. There, he played a key role in establishing Grimsby Minster as a centre of civic life, developing it as a welcoming hub for arts, community engagement and social action that served the wider town.

Andrew was ordained in the Diocese of Southwark in 2000. After serving his curacy in New Addington, he became Rector of St Mary's Newington at Elephant and Castle, where he continued his commitment to serving diverse communities before moving to Grimsby.

Andrew says:
“'I am honoured to be the next Dean of Coventry and excited to join Bishop Sophie and her team serving the Cathedral and wider diocese. Coventry Cathedral has long stood as a powerful sign of hope in a fractured world. Its commitment to peace and reconciliation, rooted in its own story, speaks directly to the needs of our time. In a world so often marked by conflict, Coventry’s witness reminds us that healing and new beginnings are possible.

As I prepare to move to Coventry, my family are keen to discover more about the area and I am eager to work with the Cathedral community and people across the city to nurture faith and serve the common good. My time as Canon Treasurer at Canterbury Cathedral has shown me that cathedrals flourish when they are rooted in prayer and closely connected to the communities they serve. I look forward to building strong partnerships and deepening the Cathedral’s engagement with the diverse communities of Coventry and Warwickshire.

At a time when many are searching for hope, purpose and belonging, I will value our work together to help Coventry Cathedral shine ever more brightly as a place of faith, reconciliation and hope for the future.”

Bishop Sophie says:
“I am delighted to welcome Andrew as the next Dean of Coventry. Bringing a wealth of mission and ministry experience across parish and cathedral, I am confident that he has the skills and gifts we were seeking, to lead our cathedral into strength in the coming years. Andrew especially impressed the panel with his vision for the cathedral's potential and a clear grasp of the challenges and opportunities he will face. I am convinced that Andrew will be a great asset to the cathedral, diocese and bishop's senior staff team. Please join me in praying for Andrew, his wife Louise and their children, in this time of transition.”

Andrew and his wife Louise, who is a parish priest, have two children. As well as enjoying family life, Andrew is learning to play hockey, is an artisanal baker and enjoys world cinema.

We are looking forward to welcoming Andrew, who will take on the position of the next Dean of Coventry from the 28th November 2026. We pray for Andrew and his family as he prepares to join us in Coventry.