The Ramblers has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, Vanessa Griffiths, set to take the lead of Britain’s walking charity in November
Following Benedict Southworth’s announcement that he would be stepping down from his role as chief executive, the Ramblers has spent the last few months searching for a suitable replacement. News in today (31 August) is that Vanessa Griffiths has been chosen to take the reins.
Griffiths joins the Ramblers from National Trust Wales, where she was Assistant Director, with responsibility for leading the Trust’s North Wales team of staff and volunteers.
With more than a decade of experience in the charity sector, Vanessa has also previously successfully led Groundwork North Wales – a social enterprise which works with disadvantaged individuals and communities to help them to improve their own lives through the creation of green spaces, green jobs and green energy. Prior to this Vanessa was a senior civil servant within the Welsh government.
Des Garrahan, Chair of the Ramblers Board of Trustees, said “We are delighted that Vanessa Griffiths is joining us as our new chief executive and we extend a warm welcome to the Ramblers. Vanessa has a long history of caring for landscapes and helping connect people with place, which stands her in good stead as the lead of Britain’s walking charity.
“This is an exciting time for the Ramblers, when we are seeing a huge demand for our work. We are confident that Vanessa’s background in conservation and sustainable development makes her the perfect candidate to lead the Ramblers in our ongoing journey to protect and promote footpaths and the British walking environment.”
Vanessa said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Ramblers, who do so much to protect our right to access Britain’s countryside and historic path network and help people enjoy the many health and wellbeing benefits of walking. This is an exciting time for the charity, with lots of opportunities to get more people walking and becoming healthier and happier as a result.
Vanessa Griffiths will take the helm from Natasha Clayton on 21 November 2016. Natasha was appointed interim chief executive in July 2016 following the departure of Benedict Southworth, who stood down from his position at the Ramblers after four successful years as chief executive.
