Coeliac UK has appointed Hilary Croft as its new CEO.

Croft will begin her new role on 3 June, succeeding Sarah Sleet.

Croft has knowledge and interest in the food and drink sector and has previously held positions at Marks & Spencer, Coca-Cola, Compass Group and World Duty Free Europe.

More recently, as CEO of UK food charity The Felix Project, she developed significant partnerships with food suppliers and re-distributers to reduce food waste and food poverty across London.

Coeliac UK said the appointment comes as the charity enters a new ten-year strategic review and requires an experienced change leader to adapt to a constantly evolving, complex environment.

It added that it felt Croft was exceptionally qualified to lead Coeliac UK into the future and that it looked forward to welcoming her.

“I am excited to be taking up the CEO role at Coeliac UK, a charity with a truly unique health and food scope,” said Croft.

“I look forward to developing the charity’s strong reputation, bringing fresh ideas and strategic insights. Naturally, my direct experience of coeliac disease, through my son’s condition, further motivates me to achieve real and lasting change for the gluten free community.”