The health charity Coeliac UK has appointed a former senior leader at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations as its next chief executive.
Saskia Konynenburg, who spent almost four years in senior leadership positions at the NCVO, is the long-term successor to Hilary Croft.
Croft left Coeliac UK last month after seven years to take the top job at the youth mental health charity Off the Record, Bath and North East Somerset.
Konynenburg joined the NCVO in October 2022 as executive director of strategic communications and insight, and was acting chief executive from July to October 2025 after Sarah Elliott left to lead the housing and homelessness charity Shelter.
Konynenburg became chief commercial officer when Kate Lee joined the NCVO as chief executive. She stepped down from the membership body in July.
Prior to joining the NCVO, Konynenburg was head of external communications and consultation at Bristol City Council and previously held communications roles at the National Trust and the Shaw Trust.
Chris Dilloway, chair of Coeliac UK, said: “Saskia brings a wealth of experience from across the charity and public sectors, combining strategic leadership with a strong commitment to supporting communities and delivering meaningful change.
“Her proven track record in organisational transformation, engagement and income diversification will be invaluable as we look to build a strong, sustainable future for the charity.
“The board was particularly impressed by Saskia’s values-led approach and her clear commitment to ensuring that the needs of people with coeliac disease remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Konynenburg said: “For nearly 60 years, Coeliac UK has worked relentlessly to improve the lives of people affected by this life-changing autoimmune condition. I am honoured to take on this important role and excited to build on that proud legacy, working alongside our community to achieve even greater impact.”
Konynenburg will take up her new role on Monday (5 October).