The chief executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society is to step down after 33 years in the role.
Susan Daniels said it was the right time for her to leave the charity, which has grown from an annual income of £1m when she joined to more than £33m today.
A spokesperson for the charity said Daniels had decided to step down when the organisation was in a strong position and had an excellent leadership team in place to continue its strategy.
Daniels also plans to spend some time travelling with her family once she steps down and will continue her role as chair of Groundbreakers, a network of female charity chief executives, and as a governance trainer.
Daniels, who is deaf, was appointed OBE in 2006 for services to deaf children and their families.
She said: “I have loved every minute of my time at the National Deaf Children’s Society and am immensely proud and privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the charity.
“But with a fantastic team in place, it’s the right time to pass on the mantle and embark on a new chapter, both for the organisation and me personally.”
Dominic Holton, chair of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said that under Daniels’ leadership, the charity had been instrumental in driving significant change in the landscape for deaf children, transforming the lives of many thousands of families.
“It has been a privilege for my board colleagues and I to work alongside Susan, where we have been continually inspired by her strength and clarity of vision, alongside her incredible drive and commitment.
“We will miss her wisdom, her warmth and her unwavering energy.”
Daniels will step down in July.