The Carers Trust has appointed external candidate Thea Stein as its first chief executive.

The new charity was formed after a merger between Crossroads Care and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and launched on 1 April. Neither Anne Roberts (former chief executive of Crossroads) nor Liz Fenton (former chief executive of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers) will head the Carers Trust. Instead, Thea Stein, currently chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, will take charge from September this year.

Fenton did not apply for the post and will only stay at the organisation till the end of April in an advisory capacity. Roberts will be in charge in the interim before stepping down this August. Commenting on the merger Roberts said: “The two organisations came together because we believe by working together we could create a more sustainable organisation which was better able to reach carers and support them right across the UK.”

The merger will mean an organisational restructure which could lead to job losses although this is subject to a consultation. A number of new posts may also be created.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers' former chair Andrew Cozens will be chair at Carers Trust and the former chair of Crossroads Care Patrick Healy will be vice chair.

Mark Currie will stay on as Carers Trust treasurer having held that position at Crossroads. The full board structure will be announced shortly. Princess Anne has agreed to be president of the charity.

There are no current plans to extend the national merger to a local level, where carers will still be supported under local brands.