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Coeliac UK, the national charity for people who need to live gluten free, has appointed Hilary Croft as its new CEO from 3 June 2019, succeeding Sarah Sleet.

Ms Croft’s professional background lies in business transformation within complex, multifaceted organisations. Her senior management career started in marketing with Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, technology and digital transformation services, where she worked with a variety of organisations, such as Virgin Atlantic, Sky, Lego and Royal Mail.

Hilary Croft also has vast knowledge and interest in the food and drink sector through previous positions with Marks and Spencer, Coca-Cola, Compass Group and World Duty Free Europe. More recently, as CEO of the Felix Project, she developed significant partnerships with food suppliers and re-distributers to reduce food waste and food poverty across London.

About her appointment, Ms Croft said: “I am excited to be taking up the CEO role at Coeliac UK, a charity with a truly unique health and food scope. I look forward to developing the charity’s strong reputation, bringing fresh ideas and strategic insights. Naturally, my direct experience of coeliac disease, through my son’s condition, further motivates me to achieve real and lasting change for the gluten free community.”

Mike Elliott, Coeliac UK’s Chair of Governors, said: “Hilary’s business and strategic acumen will bring new drive and impetus at this exciting time in Coeliac UK’s journey. The charity is currently entering a new ten year strategic review and requires an experienced change leader to adapt to a constantly evolving, complex environment. We feel Hilary is exceptionally qualified to lead Coeliac UK into the future and we look forward to welcoming her.”

Ms Croft is also a trustee of Age UK Ealing and a global fundraising committee member for Tearfund, a charity that helps communities around the world escape the very worst effects of poverty and disaster.