Tom Franklin will continue with Britain’s Walking Charity until the end of the year, before beginning a new role as Chief Executive of Think Global.
Tom is also a transitional trustee of the new charity for Britain’s Waterways and a member of the Independent Forestry Panel. He will continue with both roles as well as working with Ramblers on wider access issues.
Rodney Whittaker, Chair of the Ramblers Board of Trustees, said: “ Tom Franklin has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Think Global, a charity that aims to help people in the UK learn about such issues as poverty and climate change and find out how they can play a part in creating a more just and sustainable world. He will leave the Ramblers at Christmas.
“We will all miss Tom - not least for his honesty, integrity, energy, vision, determination and drive. During his four years as our Chief Executive he has guided the Ramblers through a most difficult period when, along with many other charities, it was adversely affected by the recession. He has also put in place a number of important changes which have equipped us well for the future.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all our members I thank him for all he has done and wish him well in the future.”
Tom Franklin said: “It has been an honour to work for the Ramblers over the past four years. It is a great British institution - protecting our network of footpaths, and introducing many thousands of people to the pleasures of walking - and with almost all its work being undertaken by volunteers.
“These are not easy times for any charity, but the work of the Ramblers is as vital today as it has ever been. I am confident that the Ramblers is well placed to attract the next generation of walkers and to continue to achieve greater access for all. I would like to thank the Board, the staff, and the members and volunteers of this great organisation for all their friendship, and their dedication to the cause.”
The Ramblers Board of Trustees is currently outlining the process of appointing the new Ramblers Chief Executive. They hope to have a successor decided by early December.
