Chris Sherwood will leave the RSPCA at the end of the year to take up the top job at the NSPCC.

He succeeds the NSPCC’s current chief executive, Sir Peter Wanless, who announced in April that he would be stepping down after more than a decade in post. 

Sherwood will take up the chief executive position at the children’s charity on 20 January, with Wanless stepping down at the end of December. 

Sherwood has served as chief executive of the RSPCA since August 2018. 

During his six-year tenure he spearheaded a new strategic direction for the charity, which saw a turnaround in long-standing financial deficits and modernised the charity’s governance. 

Sherwood also navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, including strike action and an extensive restructure, and oversaw the sale of the charity’s Southwater head office after employees revealed an overwhelming preference for hybrid working.  

Under his leadership, the charity rolled out a major rebrand in April this year – the charity’s first brand refresh in 50 years.

Before joining the RSPCA, Sherwood was the chief executive of the relationship charity Relate, a role that he was promoted to from the position of director of policy and external affairs.

He also led the ageing programme of work at Nesta, a UK innovation agency for social good, for three years.

Sherwood has more than 20 years of experience in the voluntary sector and is a board member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and chair of The Charity Awards.

Sherwood said: “I have been so honoured to lead the world’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, and it’s fitting at the close of the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary year to be joining the NSPCC – a charity which shares heritage with the RSPCA as well as the same desire to create a kinder and more compassionate society.” 

He added that he was “thrilled” to be joining the NSPCC, saying: “I firmly believe in a society where all children are not just protected from harm, but they have the support, kindness and respect needed to live happy, joyful and fulfilling lives and be the best version of themselves.”

Neil Berkett, chair of the NSPCC, said he was pleased to welcome Sherwood and his “impressive track record in leading some of the UK’s best-known charities”.

He said: “I am confident that Chris will continue to drive forward our clear mission to make sure everyone plays their part in keeping children safe, that every child is safe online and that every child feels heard. 

“I know he will also keep alive our shared values, continue to foster our unique, collaborative culture and redouble our efforts to take a stand for all children.”

Claire Horton, chair of the RSPCA, said: “Chris has spearheaded a seismic transformation, modernising leadership, culture and governance. 

“His ambitious new strategic direction of partnership working, alongside an exciting refreshed brand, is galvanising the public, charities and organisations, thought leaders and those critical in shaping legislation to tackle the huge challenges facing animals we share our world with – today and in the future.” 

The RSPCA said recruitment for its next chief executive will begin in the autumn.