Christian relief and development agency Tearfund has appointed Nigel Harris as its new chief executive.

Harris (pictured), who is currently the chief executive of international charity Farm Africa, will take over from current chief executive Matthew Frost, who will be leaving the charity after ten years in the role.

He will take up the role later this year. No start date has been confirmed.

Frost announced he would be leaving the charity in October 2014. He gave a year’s notice to help lead Tearfund through the transition, and it is expected he will leave the charity in October this year. After that he will take a break before deciding what to do next.

Harris has previously served as chief of staff for Save the Children UK, and as a consultant for NGOs including Tearfund, as well as the Department for International Development. He was also previously the chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital, and worked as an investment banker for Schroders.

Harris said: “As a long-term supporter of Tearfund’s amazing work, supporting local churches to unlock people’s potential, responding quickly and effectively to disasters and following Jesus where the need is greatest, I have long admired the impact that Tearfund is having on poverty around the world.

“I look forward to working alongside the staff and board of trustees to see many more millions released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of churches.”

Clive Mather, chair of Tearfund, said: “I am delighted that Nigel will be joining us. He brings valuable experience from his professional background and a passion for all that Tearfund seeks to do. After a global search, he is an answer to prayer and we much look forward to welcoming him.”

Tearfund, which last year had an annual income of £59m, is the 77th biggest charity in the latest Charity Finance 100 Index, released last month.