The youth homelessness charity Depaul UK has appointed Alexia Murphy as its chief executive with immediate effect.
Murphy has spent the past eight years working as executive director of operations at the charity, before moving into the post of deputy chief executive and then interim chief executive.
Before joining Depaul UK she spent 10 years working as the new business director at the homelessness charity St Mungo’s, and led the Rebuilding Shattered Lives campaign to improve services for homeless women in the UK.
She replaces Mike Thiedke, who left Depaul UK in November last year to take on the top job at The Children’s Trust.
Sandeep Katwala, chair of Depaul UK, said he was “delighted” that Murphy had been confirmed as chief executive.
He said: “Alexia has moved into this role at a critical time within the sector. With the cost-of-living crisis a reality for so many, the combined impact of increased debt, spiralling bills and low incomes is exacerbating family and relationship breakdowns, driving more young people to become at risk of homelessness, and the need for our services increasing rapidly.
“I know the organisation will be in excellent hands under her leadership as we take Depaul UK forward.”
Murphy said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the new CEO for Depaul UK. I have worked in the homelessness sector for more than 30 years and at Depaul UK since 2015.
“I am so proud of the innovative approach Depaul UK takes to tackle youth homelessness, and its commitment to creating better long-term outcomes for young people has always driven me. We must also ensure we focus our efforts on the hardest-to-reach communities – those without access to even the most basic services.
“Stepping into this role is a huge honour and I’d like to thank Mike Thiedke, ex-CEO for Depaul UK, for his guidance and leadership over the last five years.”