The Board of Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the UK's leading eye health and sight loss charity, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dame Gail Ronson as its new President. The appointment is made with immediate effect.
Dame Gail assumes the role from His Grace the Duke of Westminster who has been RNIB's President for over 25 years. These have been some of the most significant years in RNIB's history, most notably:
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becoming a membership organisation and changing its name to Royal National Institute of Blind People
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the redevelopment of a world class service for children with sight loss and complex needs - the RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning in Coventry
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the launch of a national helpline as a single point of contact for anyone in the UK enquiring about sight loss.
Commenting on Dame Gail's appointment, His Grace the Duke of Westminster said:
"I have enormous admiration for all that RNIB has achieved and the difference the organisation is making to so many people's lives. I have been honoured to be involved with an organisation that has such great ambitions. After 25 years, it is time to hand the torch to someone else, but RNIB remains so close to my heart. I am therefore delighted to see the organisation in such strong hands, and look forward to supporting RNIB in many various ways in future. I congratulate Dame Gail Ronson on her appointment as President; RNIB has secured an experienced and worthy successor and I wish her and all at RNIB every continued success."
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB, said:
"On behalf of everyone at RNIB, I would like to thank the Duke of Westminster for the tremendous contribution he has made over the last 25 years. We are delighted that Dame Gail has agreed to join us as our new President, the first female President and only the 9th in RNIB's history. Dame Gail has a wealth of experience in the charitable world and this, coupled with her boundless energy and enthusiasm, makes it extremely exciting for us to have her as our new President."
Dame Gail Ronson DBE added:
"It is a huge honour to have been invited to be RNIB's President as well as a substantial responsibility. For over 30 years, I have been involved in charitable activities in the social welfare sector and I have been a supporter of RNIB for over a decade. My grandmother had a vision loss because of macular degeneration and I know only too well how invaluable it is to be able to access the right advice and support. I have visited some of RNIB's amazing centres and seen the life changing work they do. I am delighted to be part of this incredible organisation whose roots go back over 140 years."
RNIB will host an investiture ceremony in October 2012 to mark Dame Gail's appointment and to celebrate the Duke of Westminster's substantial contribution. Further details will be provided in due course.
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For further information and publication quality photographs please contact:
Stacey Kerr, RNIB Media Relations Team:
Tel: 020 7391 2290
Email: pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
For media interviews with Dame Gail Ronson:
Emma Kane, Redleaf Polhill
Tel: 020 7566 6738/07876 338339
Notes to Editors
About RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
The Patron of RNIB is Her Majesty The Queen.
In 1868 Dr Armitage founded an organisation known as the British and Foreign Society for Improving Embossed Literature for the Blind. It then became the British and Foreign Blind Association receiving a Royal Charter in 1948. In 1953 the organisation became known as the Royal National Institute for the Blind, becoming Royal National Institute of Blind People in 2002.
Charitable/communal Offices currently held by Dame Gail Ronson
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Trustee of the Royal Opera House since 1985 and a Director since 2001
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Deputy Chairman since 2002 of Jewish Care and a Board member since 1992
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Vice President, The Association for Research into Stammering in Childhood since 1991
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Co Head for Major Gifts, Roundhouse Trust
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Deputy Chairman of The Gerald Ronson Foundation
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Trustee of the Winnington Charitable Foundation
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Trustee of the Park Chase Charitable Foundation.