Blue Cross Appoints Nacro Boss As New CEO

The Blue Cross animal welfare charity, has appointed Kim Hamilton to take over the position of Chief Executive in September from John Rutter who retires after seven years in the post. Kim Hamilton is currently Chief Operating Officer at Nacro, the organisation that used to be known as the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders.

Ms Hamilton will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the charity, whose income last year was £25.4 million, with a spend of nearly £22 million.

The Blue Cross is currently implementing a series of strategic initiatives to extend the range and impact of its work. Its plans include:

Expanding its animal adoption and veterinary services across the UK

Extending its education programme;

increasing the involvement of volunteers

Developing its supporter base.

In her earlier career Kim Hamilton spent over 20 years at Citibank, working her way up the organisation to hold several senior positions including UK treasurer.

Diane Sinclair, Chairman, The Blue Cross, said of the appointment:

"We are delighted to welcome Kim to The Blue Cross. Her strong financial roots and third sector experience mean she is perfectly placed to drive the charity forward."

The Blue Cross consists of a national network of 11 animal adoption centres, three equine centres and four veterinary hospitals. In 2007, 5,951 pets and 126 horses were cared for by the charity. In the same year 66,264 consultations, 11,816 operations and 17,890 diagnostic procedures were carried out by its veterinary staff.

[In its financial year 2006/7, Nacro had an income of just under £60 million with an expenditure of £57 million.]