Alzheimer's Society new Director of External Affairs announced

Andrew Chidgey, who has worked at Alzheimer's Society for the last nine years, has been responsible for developing policy and public affairs work in areas such as mental capacity legislation, access to drugs and changes to the system of charging for care. He has advised politicians, policy makers and commissioners on the needs of people with dementia and their carers.

The current Director of External Affairs, Andrew Ketteringham, announced in summer this year that he will retire in January 2012 after five years with the Society.

Andrew Chidgey, who was the Society's lead on the development and implementation of the National Dementia Strategy for England and on the Dementia Action Alliance, said:

'The Society has achieved so much in pushing dementia up the public and political agenda in recent years. I am delighted to have worked with such a talented and committed group of people to achieve that change. I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Director of External Affairs to build on the success achieved by Andrew Ketteringham, the External Affairs Directorate and the Society as a whole. There's a lot to do and we're going to do it.'

Andrew Ketteringham, Alzheimer's Society's current Director of External Affairs said:

'I am sad to be leaving the Society but it's made a lot easier knowing I am passing my role on to Andrew. Having worked with him for the past five years I don't know anyone who is more deserving of the role or who could do a better job. I am delighted for both Andrew and for the Society. '

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

'Andrew Ketteringham has led a transformation of the positioning and influence of Alzheimer's Society and will be a hard act to follow. I truly believe there is no-one better to rise to this challenge than Andrew Chidgey.'

Andrew Chidgey will take up the role of Director of External Affairs from January 2012. Andrew Ketteringham will move to a part time position leading the organisation of the 2012 Alzheimer's disease International Conference which takes place in March, before leaving the Society in July 2012.