Education and mentoring charity ReachOut has appointed Ben Hilton as its next chief executive.

He joins from the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust where he has been chief executive for the last five years.

Hilton joined the Trust nine years ago as head of young people programmes and was later promoted to director of programmes for a year before leading the organisation.

He also spent four years at Business in the Community, including roles managing its homelessness programme, heading community impact in the South West of England and as operations development manager for work inclusion.

ReachOut praised Hilton’s lived experience in supporting young people having grown up in an area of disadvantaged in Redruth, Cornwall, and struggling at school.

“I’ve had a number of mentors throughout my life but the one who always comes to mind was my college lecturer in Manchester,” said Hilton.

“At that time, I was living on my own and struggling with aspects of my life outside of college and he went above and beyond to support me and ensured that I remained on track to get to university.

“His ability to inspire, communicate authentically and bring the best out of people is something that I still learn from over 25 years later.”

Hilton replaces ReachOut’s interim chief executive Alice Memminger, who has been in post since February.

“We’re very excited to have Ben join ReachOut as our new CEO,” said chair Simon Hepburn.

“Ben brings with him extensive experience supporting young people from under-resourced communities to grow in character, confidence and self-belief.

“It’s clear he has a life-long passion for making sure young people get the chances and opportunities they deserve, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be bringing that drive and determination to our next chapter at ReachOut.”

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