Lynda Thomas has been officially appointed as the chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, having served in an interim capacity in the role since November of 2014.

Thomas has worked with Macmillan since 2001 and took over as interim chief executive when previous chief executive Ciaran Devane departed to head up the British Council. Before that, she was the charity’s director of fundraising, a position she took up in 2011.

Before working with Macmillan she worked in public relations and communications, working closely with organisations like the NSPCC and Action for Children. Thomas is also a trustee at the Institute of Fundraising, Women’s Sport & Fitness Foundation and a director on the Fundraising Standards Board.

Julia Palca, chair of Macmillan, said: "I am delighted to announce that Lynda will be our new chief executive. The board and I have been incredibly impressed by Lynda’s performance and leadership throughout her time at Macmillan, but especially over the last few months as interim chief executive.

“Lynda is the perfect person to lead the organisation into an exciting new phase and help fulfil our ambition to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer.”

Thomas will take up her role with immediate effect.