The Refugee Council has appointed Enver Solomon as its next chief executive.
Solomon, who is chief executive at the youth charity Just for Kids Law, will succeed Maurice Wren, who is retiring after eight years in the role.
Solomon has previously held senior positions at the National Children’s Bureau, The Children’s Society and Barnardo’s, and spent five years as chair of Asylum Aid.
Andrew Halper, chair of the Refugee Council, said Solomon was “tenaciously dedicated” to disadvantaged people.
“His experience of the legal and wider humanitarian aspects of refugee and asylum issues, his leadership on youth and justice issues, and his commitment to building partnerships will strengthen the Refugee Council and the sector in the years ahead,” he said.
“His experience will ensure we not only develop and improve essential services for thousands of refugees across the country, but that the voices of refugees and of the Refugee Council shape the debates that affect our clients the most.”
Solomon, who will take over from Wren in December, said: “The UK has a proud tradition of providing protection for those fleeing war, persecution and human rights abuses.
“As we approach the 70th anniversary of the UN convention on refugees next year, there has never been a more challenging or interesting time to join the Refugee Council.
“I look forward to working with all the organisation’s partners and supporters to shape and influence the public debate on refugees and to make sure their voices are at the heart of it.”