Blood Cancer UK has named Helen Rowntree as its permanent chief executive.
She has been interim chief executive since November and has secured the role on a permanent basis following an external recruitment process involving trustees, staff and people affected by blood cancer.
Rowntree has been with Blood Cancer UK since 2019 as director of research, services and engagement.
She takes over from Gemma Peters, who has been appointed chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Before joining Blood Cancer UK, Rowntree worked in the NHS, leading the development of digital services including nhs.uk.
John Ormerod, chair of Blood Cancer UK, said: “We were pleased to have a very strong field of candidates. It is testament to the culture we have built here that so many high-calibre people wanted to join us.
“We are also delighted that, in Helen, we have been able to appoint someone with the leadership and strategic vision to help ensure we have an even greater impact on behalf of people affected by blood cancer.
“I am looking forward to working with Helen to deliver our new strategy.”
Rowntree said: “Blood Cancer UK is a special charity that has already achieved amazing things by harnessing the determination of people affected by blood cancer to fund research that has saved thousands of lives.
“So it is a privilege to get the chance to lead it through what will be a hugely important period in its history.
“For all the progress we’ve made over the last 60 years, too many people are still dying of blood cancer, and I am looking forward to continuing working with people affected by blood cancer and our brilliant staff to bring forward the day when blood cancer is finally beaten.”
Vij Chauhan, a member of the blood cancer community who was part of the recruitment process, said: “I am excited that in Helen we have appointed someone who impressed us with her commitment to making sure people affected by blood cancer are at the heart of our work and I look forward to working with her in doing this.”