The trustees of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) have appointed Andrew McLaughlin as their new CEO. The appointment comes at an important time for the Trust as they move into the second year of delivering its 2030 Strategy.

Prior to joining GWT, Andrew spent more than a decade working at the National Trust (NT) as Head of Communications before becoming General Manager of leading NT property Kingston Lacy, a role that saw him oversee the management of the largest lowland heathland in the UK (Holt Heath). He moved to a new role as CEO of The Student's Union at the University of Bath in 2016, before most recently heading up the new Strategy and Innovation Division at South Gloucestershire Council.

Having lived in the Gloucestershire area for many years, Andrew is firmly behind the values of the county and the ambitions of GWT. His breadth of experience, particularly in delivering high-impact strategic plans and collaboration, complements GWT's ambitious 2030 Strategy, which has three key areas: stopping and reversing wildlife declines, more people taking action for nature and normalising natural solutions to climate change.

Andrew McLaughlin will join GWT in early September and said: "My family and I have deep connections with Gloucestershire and I'm thrilled to be joining the county's largest membership organisation as their new CEO. Like many people, I've become increasingly alarmed at the decline of nature both here in our county and across the UK and I see my role as CEO to ensure we have everything in place to make our ambitious strategy a reality, for the wildlife and people of Gloucestershire. I can't wait to get started."

Dr David Bullock, chair of trustees at GWT said: "After a long and thorough selection process, we are very pleased to have appointed Andrew as our new CEO. His breadth and depth of experience will enable him to lead the Trust in delivering our ambitious plans with confidence and expertise. We very much look forward to working with him in this role at such a crucial time for the recovery of nature."

The Trust is supported by over 28,000 members, 450 volunteers and over 80 staff members that manage its conservation projects, nature reserves and engagement activities, working closely with a wide range of partner organisations across the county.