Lucy Harmer has been appointed as the new chief executive at Cruse Bereavement Support.
Harmer is being promoted from her current role as Cruse’s director of services, having previously been director of information and engagement at Multiple Sclerosis Trust.
She also worked at Independent Age and Age UK and is currently the chair at Citizens Advice Wandsworth.
A Cruse press release said: “This appointment follows a detailed selection process and comes after the current CEO of five years, Steven Wibberley, announced his retirement earlier this year.”
Harmer said: “Since I joined Cruse I have seen the difference its services make to the lives of bereaved people. I am excited and honoured to be taking on this new role as chief executive, leading passionate and committed staff and volunteers who make a difference every day.”
She added: “Grief can be overwhelming and no-one should have to deal with it alone. It’s my aim to ensure Cruse continues to offer the best support it can to those who need it, whilst also remaining the leader in providing bereavement support across the UK.
“I am proud to be part of such a brilliant and determined charity that works tirelessly to support those going through grief and I am looking forward to leading this next chapter for Cruse.”
Sir Tony Hawkhead, chair of trustees at Cruse Bereavement Support, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Lucy Harmer as the newly appointed chief executive at Cruse.
“Lucy has a strong background in leading services across several charities including Independent Age, Age UK and MS Trust. She also has very valuable insight into charity governance from her time as Chair of Trustees at Citizens Advice in Wandsworth.”
He added: “Throughout the recruitment process, Lucy impressed the selection panel with her ambition, clear thinking and passion for Cruse.
“I look forward to working with her in her new capacity to support our mission to support bereaved people at one of the most painful times of their lives.”
In its most recent accounts, for the year ending 31 March 2022, Cruse had income of £7.4m and expenditure of almost £8m.