World Animal Protection has appointed Ruth Tanner as UK country director. 

Tanner joins the animal welfare charity from Amnesty International, where she was deputy director of campaigns in the Europe regional office for four years. 

She previously held senior campaign and policy leadership roles at Oxfam International and War on Want.   

Tanner succeeds Tricia Croasdell, who was promoted to chief executive last year.

World Animal Protection said Tanner’s “extensive experience in international development and human rights brings a unique perspective due to her understanding of how systemic inequality and animal cruelty are deeply interconnected”. 

The charity said in a statement: “Her leadership comes at a critical moment when bold, insightful, co-ordinated action is essential in tackling the root causes of immense animal suffering.”

Tanner said she was looking forward to helping animals today and ending future exploitation and cruelty.

“Factory farming, the exploitation of captive wild animals, biodiversity loss and environmental destruction are driving immense harm to animals, people and the planet but they are also areas where bold collective action, locally and globally, can deliver scalable, lasting solutions,” she said. 

“I’m ready to champion powerful campaigns, advance systemic change and inspire people in the UK and beyond to end animal cruelty and protect our shared planet.”