Sexual health charity Brook has appointed Helen Marshall as chief executive, replacing Simon Blake who left last May to head up the National Union of Students.

Marshall is the current chief executive of youth charity Ambition, which she led since 2010. She brings over 20 years of senior experience in the voluntary, private and public sectors.

In a statement today, Marshall said she was “excited to be joining Brook and leading the next phase of growth and development”.

“I have been hugely impressed with their passion to support young people to make positive and healthy lifestyle choices. I’m looking forward to building on their current successes to develop new opportunities,” she said.

Marshall will start her new post in April, with the charity’s interim chief executive Jules Hillier remaining in post until the end of the month to ensure a smooth handover.

Today, the charity’s chair Eve Martin, said Marshall’s “leadership experience and passion for Brook and for young people shone through the recruitment process”.

“I know she will enable Brook to continue to thrive and grow in the future,” she said.

Brook is currently the UK’s largest provider of sexual health services and advice for young people under the age of 25.

The charity has over 50 years of experience working with young people in the UK and currently generates just under £14m per annum.