The chief executive of TalkTalk, Tristia Harrison, has been appointed as the new chair of trustees for Crisis.

Harrison will join the board of the homelessness charity in July, before replacing outgoing chair Steve Holliday, whose term comes to an end in September.

She has been the CEO of TalkTalk Group since March 2017, having previously served as managing director of TalkTalk’s consumer business.

During her time at the company, she has developed the firm's community engagement programme in the North West, including partnerships with local food banks and other community projects to help disadvantaged families and children in the area.

She is also an independent non-executive director at Next and an honorary trustee at the national charity Ambitious about Autism. She is also a member of the CEO board and a founder member of the industry campaign against online harms, Internet Matters.

Harrison has recently stepped down from a trustee post at Comic Relief, which she held from May 2011 until June 2020. She chairs the commercial and technology board at the charity and advised on marketing and communications campaign for Sport Relief and Red Nose Day.

Most recently, Harrison advised on The Big Night In, which helped to raise funds for charities in the wake of Covid-19.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the board at Crisis, and to have the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives.

"During the pandemic we’ve seen that ending homelessness is not only possible, but something we can make a reality by working together. I look forward to joining the fantastic team and getting started on this vital work at such an important time.”

The charity's chief executive, Jon Sparkes added: "We’re delighted to announce Tristia’s appointment to the board. Since the start of the outbreak, we’ve seen governments, charities and communities take remarkable action to tackle homelessness and we’re excited to have Tristia join us at this crucial moment as we step up our efforts to end homelessness.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Steve for playing such a pivotal role in helping to shape Crisis into the organisation it is today.”

Steve Holliday became chair of Crisis in 2011 and during his nine-year term, has overseen the expansion of Crisis’ services across Great Britain, including the 'No One Turned Away' campaign, which resulted in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

“Although it is with sadness that my term is finished, I’m pleased to be handing over the reins to Tristia. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with such a strong board of trustees and I’m so proud of the team at Crisis for its commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness, and towards ending homelessness for good," he said.

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