Mary Creagh, the former Labour MP for Wakefield, has been appointed chief executive of Living Streets, the charity for pedestrians.
Creagh, who lost her seat in December’s election, will succeed Joe Irvin, who retired in March after six years at the charity’s helm.
During her 14 years as an MP, Creagh served as shadow Cabinet minister and chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee.
Since leaving parliament, she has been working as a visiting professor at Cranfield University and chair of responsible business practice at Lexington Communications.
“I am thrilled to join Living Streets as it fulfils its historic mission to create a walking nation,” she said.
“Millions of people have recently reconnected with walking, and it has been a real comfort and lifeline during lockdown. But in too many places our streets are not fit for purpose.
“We need better streets so that more people from all walks of life choose walking,” she said.
Dame Jane Roberts, chair of Living Streets, said Creagh had “exactly the right mix of skills and enthusiasm to lead” the charity and take it to new heights.
“Mary joins a dedicated, enthusiastic and award-winning team at a time when our current funding is secure and there are fantastic opportunities to expand our work,” said Roberts.
Jenni Wiggle, senior director at Living Streets, will continue as interim chief executive until Creagh takes up her post in September.