Leukaemia Care has appointed Colin Dyer, former head of Special Olympics Great Britain, as its next chief executive.
The charity, which provides national advice and support services to anyone affected by leukaemia, said Dyer would take up the role on 2 April.
He succeeds Zack Pemberton-Whitely, who left the charity last year to take up a senior role at the pharmaceutical company Novartis.
Dyer has been chief executive of Special Olympics Great Britain for the past two years and will be succeeded by Laura Baxter, who has worked in the charity’s leadership team since 2019.
Before joining Special Olympics GB, Dyer spent 12 years as chief executive of the children’s health charity WellChild.
“I am really looking forward to getting started and working with the team at the charity to continue the outstanding work already taking place to support those affected by leukaemia,” he said.
“It is clear that there is the potential for Leukaemia Care to continue to develop its reach, and that everyone connected with the charity is determined to build on the positive impact we are having for so many people across the country.”
Chris Matthews-Maxwell, chair of Leukaemia Care, said: “The board is delighted to appoint a person of Colin’s extensive and varied experience, who will be joining the charity at an interesting time of its growth and development.”
Speaking about Dyer’s departure from Special Olympics GB, Paul Richardson, the sports charity’s chair, said: “Everyone associated with Special Olympics GB would like to thank Colin for his hard work in leading our team during this period, which has included both a Special Olympics World Summer Games and a National Winter Games.
“His time at the organisation has created positive change at all levels and he moves on to his next challenge with our gratitude.”