Welcoming our new CEO

We’re delighted to announce that Simon Antrobus will be joining us as our new CEO from early 2026. Simon is taking over from our current CEO Matt Stringer.

Simon joins RNIB having been Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need since November 2016 and has a wealth of experience in the charity sector – as previous Chief Executive of both Clubs for Young People and With you, as well as holding senior roles at Parkinson’s UK and Scope.

Anna Tylor, RNIB’s Chair of Trustees commented on Simon’s appointment, “I’m delighted that Simon is joining RNIB in early 2026 as our new CEO. Simon brings a huge wealth of experience and expertise to the role having worked in the third sector for over 25 years.

“Simon is a warm and experienced communicator who will be an influential leader for RNIB and a strong ally for blind and partially sighted people. He leads with a powerful sense of social purpose and has deep and broad experience in building services and driving social change to open up opportunities for individuals and communities. Simon will be extremely effective in helping us extend existing, and build new, external relationships to support our influencing and campaigning work to change society for blind and partially sighted people.

“We launched our ambitious new strategy last year, which is designed to inspire and drive meaningful change. We want everyone to understand sight loss and to celebrate the capabilities and contributions of blind and partially sighted people. Simon’s experience and skillset mean he’s a great fit to drive forward our strategy to ensure everyone with sight loss can live the life they want to lead; without limits.

“To achieve our strategic vision, we need everybody to care about and prioritise eye health. We need more focus on accessibility and inclusion in every project, service, or process. We need more people and communities to campaign with us, help break down barriers and drive societal change for a better future that is inclusive by default, not on demand.”

Simon Antrobus commented on his appointment as new RNIB CEO: “I’m immensely proud to be joining RNIB in early 2026 as its new Chief Executive and to continue its vital work with supporting blind and partially sighted people.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to lead the charity to relentlessly pursue its goals, extend reach and impact with its services and to help bring about social change so that blind and partially sighted people can live life without limits. As well as positioning RNIB at the forefront of informing the national debate around eye health and eye care.”

After 7 years with us, RNIB’s current CEO Matt Stringer announced in April 2025 that he was stepping down to pursue non-executive roles including within the sector.

Anna Tylor commented on Matt’s departure, “Matt Stringer leaves us after seven years as CEO at RNIB. Matt led RNIB through some challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis. He led the development and implementation of our strategy, which drives forward the large-scale social change needed to create a society without barriers for blind and partially sighted people. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Matt for everything he’s done for RNIB and most importantly the people we serve. We wish him all the best with his next adventure.”