Anna Freud has promoted its director of postgraduate studies to chief executive.

Professor Eamon McCory takes over from Professor Peter Fonagy, who has been in the role for the last 21 years.

McCory joined the mental health charity 18 years ago to build its postgraduate programmes in child mental health. This is his first charity CEO role.

He is also professor of developmental neuroscience and psychopathology at UCL and is an expert in trauma support.

He co-founded and has served as co-director of the UK Trauma Council, which is an Anna Freud initiative.

“I’ve dedicated my research to advancing our understanding of the brain’s role in the development of mental health problems following trauma and adversity, and the significance of the child’s social world,” he said.

Another major influence on his life has been the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s after growing up in West Belfast at the time.

“I was no stranger to violence or instability,” he said.

“These experiences gave me a personal understanding of trauma that I have sought to deepen through my professional research and practice.”



He added: “I know I will be building on solid foundations. I will be working alongside an exceptional group of colleagues who have always been willing to embrace complexity and respond with both care and creativity. And I am energised by what innovation and collaboration can deliver as we tackle many of the challenges faced by young people today.”

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