Which?, the operating name of the Consumers’ Association charity, has appointed a new chief executive.
Anabel Hoult, who was chief operating officer at Save the Children from 2010 to 2015 before working as transformation director at Dixons Carphone Warehouse, will begin her new role on 1 October.
Hoult said: “I am proud to be joining Which? to continue developing its role and reach as a consumer champion at this pivotal point in its history.”
Tim Gardam, chair of Which? council of trustees, said: “Anabel has a compelling blend of commercial and charitable experience and under her stewardship we look forward to making an even greater impact, championing the interests of all consumers in a digital economy.”
Judy Gibbons, chair of the Which? Limited board, said: “Anabel’s customer focus, her first class strategic and operational credentials, combined with digital expertise and an innovation mindset are exactly what Which? needs during this next period of exciting transformation.”
Hoult succeeds Peter Vicary-Smith, who announced his departure in May after 14 years as chief executive to pursue a “portfolio career”.
High pay issue
The last few years of Vicary-Smith’s time at the charity have been marred by issues over how much he and three other key employees were paid.
According to its set of accounts for the 2016/17 financial year, Which? paid Vicary-Smith £462,000, including a basic salary of £241,000 and a range of other payments.
The most siginicant of these additional payments to the charity’s chief executive in recent years has been from Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) schemes, from which Vicary-Smith received £125,000 in 2015/16.
However, in its latest accounts, Which? said it would close its LTIP schemes and in May the charity announced it would review its governance against the new Charity Governance Code.
Which? said Hoult will be paid a similar basic salary to Vicary-Smith of £250,000, but her total remuneration will be lower.
A spokesman said: “Anabel’s total remuneration will be lower than the current chief executive.
“This is part of our total new remuneration policy, which removed Long Term Incentive Plans and sees all of our executives incentivised against both charitable and commercial targets.”
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