Kate Lee OBE, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, has announced today that she will be leaving the charity in the summer.

Lee has been in the post for five years.

Lee said: “Stepping down as chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly. It will be incredibly difficult to leave this amazing organisation but now feels like the right time to step aside and allow someone new to have the privilege of leading the charity.

“I’m so proud of how far we’ve come in the last five years. When I arrived back in March 2020, no one could see what people with dementia were set to face. We advocated tirelessly for people with dementia, and those who love and care for them, throughout the pandemic. That period tested the organisation to its core, and I take great pride in the work we delivered.” 

During her leadership, Lee navigated the pandemic, campaigning to achieve better access, support and advice for people with dementia.

She "transformed" Alzheimer’s Society, creating an inclusive, collaborative environment, the charity said in its press release.

In 2022, she was named Charity Times' Charity Leader of the Year and led the organisation to achieve a Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ award in 2023.

Dame Suzi Leather DBE, chair of Alzheimer’s Society, added: “Kate has successfully led Alzheimer’s Society for five years. In that time, she has made an enduring contribution to the organisation and to the world of dementia. I’ve enjoyed working with her enormously and the Board and I want to thank her for the leadership she’s provided from leading through the pandemic to transforming it to an organisation that is leading the way for people with dementia, now and for the future.

“The Board of Trustees and I have begun the recruitment process. A recruitment search agency has been appointed, and Kate will help to ensure a smooth transition to our new leadership so that our important work to ensure dementia no longer devastates lives continues.”

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