St Giles Trust has appointed Tracey Burley (pictured) as its new chief executive as Rob Owen steps down from the role.
Burley previously worked as interim chief executive of the youth charity Redthread and as chief operating officer of the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall.
Rob Owen, who led St Giles Trust for 15 years, told Third Sector it was “time for some fresh blood” in the organisation.
He said: “After nearly two decades in investment banking and then 15 years having the privilege to lead St Giles Trust, to be honest I’m not sure what’s next.
“I have a lot of empathy with the wonderful Jacinda Ardern, the outgoing New Zealand Prime Minister. If you love something so much you know your tank has to be full.
“I fell in love the day I walked through the front door at St Giles Trust – but I know, after 15 years, that it’s time for some fresh blood. Someone hungry and energised – like I was all those years ago.
“I’ve no idea currently what my next step or mission will be – I’m a believer in serendipity. And having just come back from an 800km South Pole, 41-day expedition, I feel that I’d like my next steps to be equally bold.”
Burley said: “I’m excited to be joining such a dynamic and energetic charity at a time when its services have never been more needed.
“St Giles has proven itself to be a charity which makes a real difference to the lives of individuals and has lasting positive impacts on wider communities.
“Its commitment to harnessing lived experience, developing it and turning it into a positive force, is what sets St Giles apart. I’m looking forward to taking St Giles to the next level and guiding the charity through the challenges all in our sector are currently facing.”
Burley will join the charity in the first financial quarter of 2023.