The National Trust has appointed Middlesex University’s deputy vice-chancellor of finance, Peter Vermeulen, as its new director of finance.

Helen Ghosh, Director-General of the National Trust said she was “impressed” by Vermeulen’s “broad financial experience” and longstanding trusteeship with a “highly successful grass roots charity in east London”.

“We were particularly impressed with his experience in overseeing a programme of £100m worth of capital investment whilst at Middlesex University,” she said.

Vermeulen’s appointment follows the departure of Andy Copestake who worked for the charity for 19 years.

Ghosh praised Copestake for his “tremendous contribution and support of the National Trust as its Director of Finance over the last 19 years”.

In a statement yesterday, Peter Vermeulen said he was “excited to have the opportunity to support the National Trust’s cause professionally” after enjoying the Trust as a visitor “for many years”.

“I look forward to meeting colleagues soon, both at the Trust’s offices and in the many special places it looks after,” he said.

Vermeulen will start his role in April 2016.