We are pleased to announce the appointment of Marianne Steele as our new permanent Chief Executive following a thorough, rigorous and competitive global search.
Marianne joined us in 2010 as Director of Fundraising and Communications, overseeing a period of rapid growth.
More recently, she stepped into the role of acting CEO, successfully steering our charity through the Covid pandemic while moving to develop a new five-year organisational strategy.
Marianne says: "For five decades, the charity has been a powerful and enduring force for good for these deeply intelligent and sentient creatures.
"This has been driven by an extraordinary heritage of scientific and veterinary excellence to make the world a better place for both donkeys and the communities who depend on them. I am delighted to lead The Donkey Sanctuary on the next stage of its journey."
Paul Lunn, Chair of Trustees, says: "I am confident that in Marianne we have found an outstanding leader who is the right match for our charity. Her passion, commitment and vision for The Donkey Sanctuary won through and I believe, under her guidance, we can move forward with a clear sense of purpose."
Marianne concludes by saying: "It's a privilege to lead our cause and to serve the phenomenal staff, volunteers and partners who help deliver it."
