Caroline Stevens is stepping down as chief executive of the National Autistic Society to spend more time with her family.
Stevens, who has led the charity since 2019, will leave the organisation in September.
She said the decision “was never going to be easy”, but added that her family is “entering a new chapter that requires my full presence”.
Stevens joined the National Autistic Society as chief executive in 2019 but has been a member of the charity for nearly 30 years after seeking support with her son Jack’s autism diagnosis.
During her tenure, she led the charity through the Covid-19 lockdowns and oversaw its involvement in major projects, including the Chelsea Flower Show 2024 and its successful bid to be the TCS London Marathon’s charity of the year.
Before leading the charity, Stevens was chief executive of the disabled children and young people’s charity KIDS for six years.
She also held senior roles at the British Lung Foundation, including interim chief operating officer, between 2009 and 2013.
Stevens said the National Autistic Society had always been “hugely important” to her, adding: “It was never going to be easy for me to choose the right time to step away from a role that has meant so much. However, I do so now knowing that I have successfully fulfilled my life’s ambition and at a time when the charity is stable, resilient and in capable hands.”
She added: “My family is entering an exciting new chapter that requires my full presence. After six extremely difficult years, Jack’s world is opening back up and I want to be right there beside him, helping him live his best life.
“With a beautiful one-year-old granddaughter, ageing parents and a husband who thankfully remains cancer-free, my focus must now be firmly on them.”
Stevens said the end of her executive leadership career does not mark the end of her commitment to the sector.
“After some dedicated family time, I look forward to actively bringing my experience and energy to non-executive director and trustee roles for causes that really matter to me and align with my values.”
Steve Ladyman, chair of the National Autistic Society, said: “Caroline has led the National Autistic Society for the last seven years and throughout that time her commitment to our aims, to create a world that works for autistic people, has been consistent and unwavering.
“While the board is deeply sad to see her go, we fully respect and support her decision to step down at this time to focus fully on her family and their exciting future ahead.”
The charity said that work is underway to appoint an interim chief executive, with recruitment launching soon for a permanent replacement.