The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has promoted Michael Devlin to chief executive. 

Devlin, who joined the charity in 2018 as development manager and was appointed deputy chief executive in 2020, succeeds David Sharrod, who is moving to the newly-created role of partnership director after 27 years in the top job. 

The charity works to support the people, landscape and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and spends more than £2m per year on a range of charitable projects and grants.

Michael Devlin, who worked for The Prince’s Trust before joining the YDMT, said: “This special area inspires us to be ambitious and we have always prided ourselves on being a ‘doing’ organisation that makes a practical difference. 

“I hope to build on our 27 years of achievements as a charity, bringing people together to care for, enhance, restore and appreciate the unique qualities of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.” 

Sharrod said he “could not be more pleased” that Devlin was taking up the reins. 

Tom Pratt, chair of YDMT, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank David for all of his hard work over the many years as CEO and the key role he has played in building the organisation into what it is today. 

“I’m pleased to announce that Michael has agreed to take the role, and the board are fully working with him to invest further in the trust, building a strong team to support a growing organisation.’’