The British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson is to step down later this year.
He has spent more than eight years as CEO and also four years as the charity’s managing director.
Adamson is to remain in the post until a new chief executive is in place, which is expected to be later this year.
During his time leading the charity he has overseeing humanitarian responses to tragedies including the Grenfell Tower fire, terrorist incidents, Covid pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine
“I want to thank Mike for his service to the British Red Cross and the tremendous contribution he has made, and will continue to make this year, as our CEO, said the charity’s chair Liz Padmore.
"Mike has led the organisation courageously at a time when the world has faced extraordinary and complex crises. Under his leadership we helped those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, grew our work helping refugees, strengthened our partnerships with the NHS and focused our work in emergencies, particularly around the use of cash assistance.
“He has seen the charity through a period of great change, transforming our work in the UK and internationally. He has worked tirelessly to uphold the fundamental principles of the Red Cross as we all strive for a world where everyone gets the help they need in a crisis.
“Mike will continue to lead this amazing organisation as we recruit the very best person to lead the British Red Cross in the future. Mike, our excellent leadership team, and our talented staff and volunteers will continue to put those in crisis at the heart of everything we do.”
Adamson said: “The British Red Cross has been helping people in crisis for more than 150 years and it has been an honour to play my part in stewarding it through turbulent times.
"I am incredibly proud of everything that our dedicated staff and volunteers have achieved, helping those most in need in the UK and internationally, but after twelve years it is the right time for me to move on.
“My passion for the work of the Red Cross in a profoundly changing world is, and will remain, undiminished. I will leave behind an incredibly effective, dynamic and compassionate organisation that is committed to the power of kindness.”
We've launched an emergency appeal after a devastating earthquake struck #Turkey & #Syria this morning.
— British Red Cross 🧡 (@BritishRedCross) February 6, 2023
Search & rescue missions are underway, but bad weather & aftershocks are hampering efforts.
Thousands are in urgent need of help: https://t.co/ZaOKx6QUse pic.twitter.com/yDh8t64OwF
Adamson will also step down from his role as co-chair of the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership (VCS EP), which was set up six years ago to coordinate charity responses to national crises.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the formation and establishment of the VCS EP,” he added.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work in partnership with organisations across the country who want to achieve better outcomes for people when their lives are turned upside down.
"The fantastic secretariat will continue to play their part in enabling the sector to contribute to the nation’s resilience, helping communities be better connected and better prepared for future emergencies.”
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