World Vision UK has announced that its acting chief executive Tim Pilkington will take up the role on a permanent basis next month.

Last month the charity also appointed Anna Laszlo as its new chair. She was previously vice chair at the charity. She has replaced Mark Sheard, who previously held the role.

Pilkington, who has served as acting chief executive since January, joined the international children’s charity as director of finance and risk, and company secretary in January 2013. He was responsible for all financial and legal aspects of the charity’s work.

The charity’s previous chief executive, Justin Byworth, stepped down at the start of the year following five years in the role. At the time, Byworth said he would undertake a period of “rest and renewal” before deciding what step to take next.

Laszlo said: “Our unwavering mission is to transform the lives of children in the world’s toughest places – a task which carries huge responsibility.

“As acting chief executive, Tim has demonstrated the leadership and vision that’s needed to achieve this, and to steer the organisation in a direction which will inspire our supporters and bring maximum impact for children. The board is delighted to be able to announce his appointment as chief executive.”

Pilkington began his career as a teacher before training as a tax consultant. He went on to take up a vice president position. He will officially start his role as World Vision UK’s chief executive next month.

• World Vision UK ranked number 73 in the Charity Finance Charity 100 Index, which appeared in this month’s Charity Finance magazine. Find out more about subscribing to the magazine here.