Guide Dogs has today announced that it has appointed Tom Wright as its next chief executive.
He will join in September, having been group chief executive of Age UK and its sister charity Age International for nearly nine years.
Richard Leaman was chief executive of Guide Dogs until November last year when he stood down. Its deputy chief executive, Steve Vaid, has been acting chief executive since then.
Jamie Hambro, chair of Guide Dogs, said: “We are all delighted that Tom will be taking on the role of chief executive of Guide Dogs.
"He brings with him a wealth of experience from Age UK and Age International where he has been their CEO for nearly nine years. He has the knowledge, experience and background to lead the organisation and ensure the delivery of a range of life-changing services to those living with sight loss.”
Wright said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been appointed as the new chief executive of Guide Dogs. It is an exciting time to be joining the charity as it is doing more now than ever before to help people who are blind or partially sighted gain freedom and independence.”
Guide Dogs' acting chief executive Steve Vaid will be promoted to chief operating officer and will work closely with Tom Wright, the charity said.
Guide Dogs has an annual income of around £100m, employs 1,300 people and has 16,000 volunteers, according to the latest information filed with the Charity Commission.
