Tom Henderson
Tom Henderson, who founded the charity, is appealing against the board's decision
The founder of the emergency relief charity ShelterBox has been removed from his position as chief executive, the charity has confirmed.
A spokesman for ShelterBox said Tom Henderson had been relieved of his duties by the board of trustees but was appealing the decision.
Henderson was informed by the board at the start of June that he was to be removed as chief executive, the spokesman said. He was offered the role of president in July but declined the post and is appealing the decision to remove him as chief executive.
The charity declined to say why Henderson had been removed from his post.
The spokesman said: "The board of ShelterBox Trust can confirm that Tom Henderson is no longer chief executive. There is an ongoing appeal process and, as we do not want to prejudice any outcome, we will not be making any further comment."
ShelterBox has been a registered charity since 2003 and provides survival equipment in large green boxes to people around the world affected by disasters. Its income grew from £2.5m in 2007 to almost £20m in 2010, but fell back to £16m in 2011.
The spokesman for the charity said it had begun the search for a new chief executive and that John Leach, chief operating officer, had been appointed as the charity's acting head.
The spokesman said: "We can assure everyone that our operations and day-to-day management continue unhindered."
Henderson was appointed as an OBE in 2010 for his outstanding contribution to charity and humanitarian work.
Henderson could not be reached for comment.
