Alzheimer's Society appoints new chief executive

Neil Hunt will begin work at the Alzheimer's Society on 8 September 2003. He is currently on secondment to the civil service where he has undertaken a wide range of projects in the Home Office and the Department of Education and Skills.

On his appointment, Neil Hunt said:

'I am both delighted and challenged by this new position. It is a tremendous personal opportunity to lead an organisation that has already achieved so much.

'The challenge will be to build on this success, guaranteeing that all those who turn to us receive the very best help we can offer and ensuring that this urgent issue remains high on the public agenda.'

Before his move to central government, Neil Hunt worked for the NSPCC where he held a variety of regional and national positions. When he joined the executive board, Neil Hunt became director of child protection. He was chiefly responsible for the leadership of the NSPCC's core service programme combined with a very active role in policy, fundraising and communications. Before joining the NSPCC, he worked for many years in social care in London and Kent.

Neil Hunt will replace the current chief executive Harry Cayton who takes up the post of director for patients and the public at the Department of Health.
Nicholas Carey, Alzheimer's Society chairman, said:

'On behalf of my fellow trustees, I would like to say how pleased we are that Neil Hunt will be joining the Alzheimer's Society as chief executive. With his extensive experience in the NSPCC, he has firsthand knowledge of both the charity sector and the importance of volunteers. We wish him the very best of luck and look forward to working with him.'

Harry Cayton said:

'I am sure that Neil Hunt will build on the successes of the Society in recent years and will help it to consolidate its position as one of the UK's leading charities.'

Notes for editors