The chief executive of Aberlour Children’s Charity is set to retire after leading the charity for more than a decade.

SallyAnn Kelly will leave the major children’s poverty relief charity in December at the end of its 150th year.

She joined Aberlour in June 2014 after six years at Barnardo’s, where she had several roles including head of children’s services and acting director for Scotland.

Kelly was appointed OBE in 2022 for her services to children and families.

“This is the right time for me to step back but this charity’s life-changing work and commitment to raising the voice of children has never felt more needed or more important,” Kelly said.

“The lives of far too many young Scots remain constricted by poverty and I am proud Aberlour has helped so many towards a brighter future.

“It has been my great privilege and good fortune to lead such an important and impactful charity for more than a decade.

“I feel very lucky to have worked alongside such a skilled team committed to helping Scotland’s children thrive.”

David Robb, chair of Aberlour, said: “SallyAnn has led with courage, compassion and a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and giving a voice to their families. 

“They could not have had a better champion.”