Lesley-Anne Alexander will retire from RNIB later this year after 12 years as its chief executive, the charity announced today.

Alexander has not given any information about what she will do next, and the charity has not yet appointed a successor.

Alexander said: “I have been at RNIB for over 12 years working in what I have often described as the best job in the world.”

“The RNIB group of charities is stronger than it has ever been, we are reaching more people than ever before and our future whilst always challenging, looks secure. Reflecting on how I want to spend the next phase of my life, it now feels like the time to retire.”

Kevin Carey, chair of RNIB Group, said: “Lesley-Anne’s passion and absolute commitment over the last decade has been instrumental in the advances RNIB and the wider sector has been able to achieve for people living with sight loss. Her energy and bravery in taking up opportunities and facing challenges has been an inspiration.”

In her time at RNIB, Alexander has led on the creation of the RNIB group of charities and the development of the UK Vision Strategy.

More recently she hit the headlines when she criticised the creation of the new Fundraising Regulator and indicated that her organisation may not pay it. 

Alexander chairs the UK Vision Strategy Group and Red Door Ventures, a council-owned company which is creating thousands of private rented homes for residents in London.

She was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s 2012 Birthday Honours and until January 2015 was the chair of Acevo.