A former adviser to the Prime Minister has been appointed chief executive of The Royal Anniversary Trust, a charity that manages the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes.
Kristina Murrin will succeed Peter Chenery when he retires in March after 15 years in post.
Murrin stepped down from her role as chief executive of the National Leadership Centre at the end of last year.
The NLC was launched by the government in 2019 to support cross-sector leadership and help senior leaders in the public sector develop their skills.
Murrin worked as an adviser to Tony Blair in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit between 2001 and 2006 and was latterly made director for implementation at Number 10 under the coalition government.
In 2017, she also led the UK government’s review of innovation in defence and security, before being appointed the chief executive of the NLC the following year.
Sydney-born Murrin was appointed CBE in 2014 for services to the Prime Minister’s office.
The QAPs are awarded to UK colleges and universities that have demonstrated innovation, excellence and public benefit. A total of 275 prizes have been awarded since 1994.
Sir Damon Buffini, chair of The Royal Anniversary Trust, said: “We are delighted to both welcome Kristina as chief executive and thank Peter for his 15 years of excellent leadership.
“Kristina brings with her a wealth of relevant experience to help us take The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes into a new era.”
Murrin said: “I am excited to be asked to lead The Royal Anniversary Trust at a time when celebrating and honouring education across the United Kingdom is more important than ever.”