Phil East has been named chief executive of Caritas Care as the charity’s leader prepares to retire.
East joins the fostering and adoption charity from the Salford Foundation, a social inclusion charity that works to tackle disadvantage in Greater Manchester, where he has worked for 16 years – including seven as chief executive.
He succeeds Susan Swarbrick, who is set to retire this month after 26 years at Caritas Care, six of them as chief executive.
Before joining the Salford Foundation, East was an area youth worker at Rochdale Borough Council between 2007 and 2009 and at Devon County Council from 2004 to 2007.
He is also a trustee at The Lowry, a performing arts theatre in Salford.
“The work that Caritas Care does on a daily basis is totally inspirational,” said East.
“From reading the job pack, exploring the website and meeting people during the interview process, I became more and more excited about the possibility of being part of Caritas Care.
“It will be a huge privilege to play my part in supporting everything the charity does in the years ahead.”
The charity said it would say a “fond farewell” to Swarbrick as she prepared to leave.
“Her leadership, dedication and passion have left a lasting mark on Caritas Care and she will be greatly missed.”