The Stroke Association has appointed Juliet Bouverie as chief executive, replacing Jon Barrick who announced last July he was stepping down after 12 years in the role. 

Bouverie has worked for the charity health sector for more than 20 years and currently works at Macmillan Cancer Support as executive director of services and influencing. She will take up her new role in June.

In a statement today, Bouverie said she had “big shoes to fill” but was “looking forward to getting to know the people that make up the Stroke Association and working together to build on the charity’s successes”.

“I believe I can make a real difference and positive impact for the charity and the people whose lives have been affected by stroke," she said. "Securing support and raising awareness for our cause while keeping stroke a priority is critical to our success so that together we can conquer stroke.”

The charity’s chair, David Varney, said Bouverie was “an exemplary candidate” for the role.

"Juliet brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will take us forward for the next phase of our journey. I look forward to supporting her to achieve this,” he said.

Varney also paid tribute to outgoing leader Barrick for his "commitment and dedication" to the charity. 

"Barrick has built up the organisation and the Stroke Association is now a UK-wide charity with an expanding global reach and influence," he said.

A spokeswoman for the Stroke Association said Barrick was "taking some time to consider his options" and would continue to be involved with the charity as a volunteer.