The League Against Cruel Sports has appointed Emma Slawinski as its new chief executive, following the resignation of its former head.
Slawinski, who is director of policy, prevention and campaigns at the RSPCA, will start in her new role in March.
Slawinski has held previous positions at the Arts Council England, the animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming and the environmental charity Global Canopy.
She is on the ethics committee of the British Horseracing Authority and the advisory board of RSPCA Assured, a charity focused on farm animal welfare.
In a post on LinkedIn, Slawinski said: “The league is a fantastic organisation with an urgent mission, which is very close to my heart.
“I look forward to being part of this vital organisation who have helped to change the way people and animals live alongside each other for 100 years.”
Acting chief executive Chris Luffingham will return to his role as deputy chief when Slawinski joins the charity.
Luffingham has been in the role since former chief executive Andy Knott resigned in March after raising concerns with the board and senior management about alleged political interference in the charity’s campaign work.
Knott filed an employment tribunal case against the LACS earlier this year and Surrey Police concluded a fraud investigation into the charity in September due to a “lack of evidence”.
Dan Norris, chair of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “From writing to the RSPCA about the Grand National as a primary school student to becoming its director of policy, prevention and campaigns, Emma has dedicated her life to protecting animals and we are delighted she will now join the league to protect animals persecuted through so-called sport.”
Norris said Luffingham had provided “exceptional leadership, continuity and stability during a busy year”.