The Terrence Higgins Trust has appointed Ian Green as chief executive after sacking its previous chief executive last summer.

Rosemary Gillespie was sacked in July 2015, after just 15 months in the post, and subsequently claimed that the “board lost its nerve”. Since her dismissal Jackie Morton, who had been a trustee, has been the interim chief executive.

Green (pictured) is a former chief executive of YMCA England, and is currently on the executive staff team at the World Alliance of YMCAs in Geneva. He will take up his post on 1 March.

He said: “I am really excited to be joining Terrence Higgins Trust. I have long admired the wonderful work of the charity, and I am honoured to accept the post of chief executive.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with staff and volunteers, the board of trustees, and all external partners, to continue to deliver innovative HIV and sexual health services across England, Scotland and Wales, in what are undoubtedly challenging times, with cuts to health and social care budgets.”

Green has held a number of positions of public office in the London Borough of Ealing: as an elected member of the council; cabinet member for adult social services and housing; and as mayor.  He has also held a number of non-executive roles in the NHS.

Robert Glick, chair of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “On behalf of the entire board, I would like to congratulate Ian on his appointment, and we look forward to his tenure beginning this coming March.

“Ian has a track record of strong leadership, and we are confident that he will ensure that Terrence Higgins Trust continues as the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jackie Morton for her tremendous work as interim CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust. Jackie’s guidance and commitment, and the support she has shown to all staff and volunteers, has positioned the charity well for the next stage in its development.”

Morton will return to the board of trustees in one year.