British Red Cross CEO to step down later this year

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The British Red Cross has announced that its chief executive, Mike Adamson, will step down later this year having spent over eight years as CEO and four years as managing director.

Mike will remain in post until a new CEO is in place, expected in late 2023.

Serving as CEO since 2014, Mike has led the British Red Cross through multiple humanitarian responses, both in the UK and overseas. These include the tragic fire at Grenfell tower, domestic terrorist incidents, the coronavirus pandemic and the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Liz Padmore, Chair of the Board at the British Red Cross said:

“I want to thank Mike for his service to the British Red Cross and the tremendous contribution he has made, and will continue to make this year, as our CEO.

"Mike has led the organisation courageously at a time when the world has faced extraordinary and complex crises.

"Under his leadership we helped those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, grew our work helping refugees, strengthened our partnerships with the NHS and focused our work in emergencies, particularly around the use of cash assistance.

“He has seen the charity through a period of great change, transforming our work in the UK and internationally. He has worked tirelessly to uphold the fundamental principles of the Red Cross as we all strive for a world where everyone gets the help they need in a crisis.

“Mike will continue to lead this amazing organisation as we recruit the very best person to lead the British Red Cross in the future. Mike, our excellent leadership team, and our talented staff and volunteers will continue to put those in crisis at the heart of everything we do.”

Mike Adamson, chief executive at the British Red Cross said:

“The British Red Cross has been helping people in crisis for more than 150 years and it has been an honour to play my part in stewarding it through turbulent times.

"I am incredibly proud of everything that our dedicated staff and volunteers have achieved, helping those most in need in the UK and internationally, but after twelve years it is the right time for me to move on.

“My passion for the work of the Red Cross in a profoundly changing world is, and will remain, undiminished. I will leave behind an incredibly effective, dynamic and compassionate organisation that is committed to the power of kindness.

"Until then, I am looking forward to using my remaining time at the British Red Cross to continue to make a real difference for those in crisis, no matter where they are.”

Later this year, Mike will also step down from his role as co-Chair of the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership (VCS EP). The VCS EP was set up in response to several national crises in 2017 to help enable a more coordinated response from the voluntary sector when responding to an emergency.

Speaking about his role as co-Chair of the VCS EP Mike Adamson added:

“It has been a privilege to be part of the formation and establishment of the VCS EP. I have been incredibly fortunate to work in partnership with organisations across the country who want to achieve better outcomes for people when their lives are turned upside down.

"The fantastic secretariat will continue to play their part in enabling the sector to contribute to the nation’s resilience, helping communities be better connected and better prepared for future emergencies.”