Melanie Waters is resigning as CEO of Help for Heroes to move “on to a new challenge outside the sector”, according to the armed forces and veterans’ charity.

Waters has been at the charity for more than 12 years and was appointed chief executive five years ago.

She is to become managing director of TradeUp, a skills initiative led by home improvements firm the HomeServe Group.

“Melanie leaves Help for Heroes in fantastic shape,” said Help for Heroes chair Nigel Boardman.

“We are primed and ready to implement a new 10-year strategy which focuses on ensuring everyone in the Armed Forces Community lives well after serving our country.

“Melanie has spearheaded the development of this strategy and it forms part of the deep and rich legacy she leaves for those who have served.

“Throughout her time as CEO Melanie has never lost sight of the need to be here for as long as our veterans and their families need us.”

Waters added: “I have been incredibly fortunate to work with a remarkable group of people at Help for Heroes. Every day has brought inspiration and I am proud to have headed up a charity that supports the men and women of the Armed Services and their families, who do so much for us.

A search for her replacement will begin shortly with deputy chief executive James Needham acting as CEO in the interim.

Three months ago, the Ministry of Defence replaced Help for Heroes with the Royal British Legion to deliver wounded service personnel event the Invictus Games.

Help for Heroes said at the time “this was not a decision we made ourselves”.

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