The chief executive of the National Aids Trust has resigned from her position after nearly a decade in the role.
Deborah Gold, who became chief executive in 2014, will leave the charity in the summer.
A spokesperson for the charity told Third Sector that Gold had decided the time was right for her to leave and that she was “ready to explore new challenges”.
They added that Gold was considering a “range of options and will continue to pursue opportunities that align with her values and passion for social justice”.
The charity said that during her time at the trust, Gold led it to win a “landmark” judicial review in 2016, and a subsequent appeal, against NHS England’s decision to not commission the HIV-prevention drug Prep, which is now routinely available on the NHS.
She also led the NAT in convening the HIV Commission alongside the Terrence Higgins Trust and the Elton John Aids Foundation. In 2020, the commission set out a plan to end HIV transmissions in England by 2030,which formed the foundation of the government’s HIV action plan.
Gold said: “Leading National Aids Trust for close to 10 years has been the greatest honour of my career.
“I am enormously proud of the achievements of our outstanding team who, alongside our partners, have made sure the HIV landscape in the UK is unrecognisable compared to a decade ago.
“This is now the right time for the organisation to flourish with new leadership. I know it will go on to have many more great successes in the future.”
Jane Anderson, chair of the NAT, said: “Deborah has steadfastly steered National Aids Trust through an unprecedented era which included significant changes to the funding landscape, huge developments in HIV, and Covid-19.
“Her strategic vision has taken the organisation to new heights, driving successes in access to Prep, increased HIV testing and countering HIV stigma and discrimination.
“Along with our colleagues in the wider sector who have benefitted from her expertise, passion and leadership, we will miss her enormously.
“We wish her all the very best going forward; we know she will go on to achieve many more great things.”