New CEO to take the reins at The Blue Cross

03 July 2008

The Blue Cross, one of the UK's leading animal welfare charities, today announced that it has appointed a new chief executive, Kim Hamilton. Ms Hamilton will take up the role on 1 September 2008, following the retirement of John Rutter after seven years in the driving seat.

Kim Hamilton is currently chief operating officer at Nacro, an organisation that gives ex-offenders, disadvantaged people and deprived communities the help they need to build a better future.  Previously she spent over 20 years at Citibank, working her way up the organisation to hold several senior positions including UK treasurer. 

Diane Sinclair, chairman of The Blue Cross, said: "We are delighted to welcome Kim to The Blue Cross. Her strong financial roots and third sector experience mean she is perfectly placed to drive the charity forward."

This appointment comes at an important time for The Blue Cross, which is implementing a series of strategic initiatives to extend the range and impact of its work.  Plans include: expanding its animal adoption and veterinary services across the UK; extending its education programme; increasing the involvement of volunteers; and developing its supporter base.

Kim Hamilton said: "I am very excited and privileged to be joining The Blue Cross. The work that the organisation does is second to none, and it will be an honour to be part of a team who make a real difference by providing care, promoting the benefits of companionship and thereby enhancing the lives of animals and humans. I look forward to working with the governors, management team, staff and volunteers in continuing this excellent work."

As The Blue Cross chief executive, Ms Hamilton will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the charity, which last year achieved its largest ever income of £25.4 million, and spent nearly £22 million providing its charitable services to sick and homeless animals nationwide.  She will lead an eight-strong senior management team, working to ensure that The Blue Cross continues to reach out to even more animals and people in need of its help.

Kim Hamilton is a keen animal lover and a proud owner of two miniature schnauzers, Hannah and Emmie, both eight years old. 

She added: "My interest in animals has been life long and I've always had pets of some description, from budgies and bunnies to cats and dogs.  All of my pets, without exception, have been part of my family and have enriched my life immensely."

Ends
Notes to Editors

Images available on request: John Rutter; Kim Hamilton with her dogs

Founded in 1897, The Blue Cross is one of the oldest animal welfare charities in the UK.  For over 100 years, the charity has been a champion of animal welfare, educating the public in responsible animal care and providing practical support and advice for pet and horse owners. 

Through its national network of 11 animal adoption centres and three equine centres, The Blue Cross takes in and rehomes pets and horses in need.  In 2007, 5,951 pets and 126 horses were cared for by the charity.

Four Blue Cross hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  In 2007, 66,264 consultations, 11,816 operations and 17,890 diagnostic procedures were carried out by Blue Cross vets and nurses.

In conjunction with its sister charity SCAS (the Society for Companion Animal Studies), The Blue Cross runs a Pet Bereavement Support Service, a free national phone and email support line for people who have lost a pet.

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact
Laura Dobson, The Blue Cross, 020 7932 4065, laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk