London-based animal welfare charity announces new CEO

After an extensive search, Mayhew animal welfare charity are today delighted to confirm that its Board of Trustees has appointed a new CEO.

Sherine Wheeler brings significant experience from her career in finance and many senior roles in the charity sector, alongside a passion for animal welfare, to take up the helm of the 136-year-old organisation.

Starting on Tuesday 30 August, Sherine will build on the hard work of the team across the last few years and help guide the charity through the next exciting chapter in its history.

Mayhew’s new CEO Sherine Wheeler is a pet parent and deeply committed to animal welfare. Having had a successful early career in finance and audit, Sherine has held a number of senior and leadership roles in the charity sector since 2009.

Sherine brings extensive experience of working to broaden the reach and deepen the impact of charities, including at Young Lives vs Cancer, Marie Curie, and Action for Children.

Chair of Mayhew’s Board of Trustees, Julianne Hicks said: “We advertised this important role broadly and went through a multi-stage process to find our new CEO. Sherine has the skills and experience and, most importantly, when you meet Sherine you are left in no doubt of her commitment to our cause of improving the lives of the cats and dogs who need us. We are thrilled that she has accepted the post and look forward to working together.”

Sherine Wheeler said: “I’m delighted to lead Mayhew. I feel fortunate to be joining a committed, passionate, and talented team and to be able to work with an experienced and engaged Board as we take Mayhew into the next chapter of its long and important history. I’m hugely ambitious for Mayhew. I very much look forward to working closely with staff and volunteers, and alongside our supporters and many colleagues across the animal welfare sector to continue to develop a strong and collaborative voice and to improve the lives of cats and dogs who need us.”

Interim CEO Howard Bridges, who joined Mayhew in April 2021, bringing his experience from the various senior and CEO roles he has held at animal welfare and veterinary organisations, will support Sherine through a thorough handover process until 1 November. Howard and the Board of Trustees have led the organisation through an ambitious year of positive development with many key foundations laid for Sherine and the team to build on.

Julianne Hicks said: “We are so thankful for Howard’s incredible dedication to Mayhew through some really challenging times. Howard came out of retirement to take up the interim CEO post, so we wish him all the best as he returns to his retirement plans, hopefully starting with some much-deserved rest after an incredibly busy and productive time at Mayhew.”

Howard Bridges said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have had the opportunity to be a small part of Mayhew’s long and accomplished history. I sincerely wish all of the very best to Sherine and Mayhew for a continued successful and exciting future ahead.”