RSPB NAMES ITS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Taking the helm - Beccy Speight

THE RSPB has today  announced that Beccy Speight will become its new chief executive.

She will succeed Mike Clarke who revealed last September that he wanted to leave post by the end this summer

For the past six years, Ms Speight has been chief executive at the Woodland Trust  where she is credited not only with having increased income by more than  35 per cent but also with sharpening the focus of that charity and raising its profile.

She has also won plaudits for building new partnerships, refreshing the culture  and providing dynamic leadership.

It is possible she was encouraged to apply for the position by the chair of the Woodland Trust, Barbara Young - Baroness Young of Old Scone - who was herself the RSPB's first female chief executive.

Announcing the appointment, the RSPB's chairman, Kevin Cox, the charity's chair, said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Beccy’s calibre.

“We are at a key point in history for nature conservation in the UK when the natural world is coming under increasing threat.

“At this crucial time of change, the RSPB must evolve to respond to these threats, ensuring that we are in the best possible shape to make a difference for nature.

“The organisation has undergone a period of significant change over the past year.

"Beccy’s outstanding track record, personal qualities and commitment to the cause of nature conservation will ensure the charity continues to move forward with confidence."

Mr Cox expressed his thanks to Mr Clarke who has served the RSPB in various capacities for the past 30 years.

Mike Clarke - bowing out after 30 years

He said: "Mike  has been instrumental in driving significant growth in membership, while modernising our mission to ensure we remain relevant in a changing world."

Ms Speight faces a formidable challenge - she will be responsible for operations and management at more than 200 RSPB nature reserves across the UK, visited by around 2.5 million people every year.

Said she: “I am really excited about joining the RSPB. The fight to save nature has never been more important and the RSPB is uniquely positioned to make a difference.

“This is an interesting and challenging time for the charity and I'm looking forward to getting started."

Ms Speight's start date at the RSPB has not yet been announced.