World Animal Protection has appointed Tricia Croasdell as its next chief executive, making her the first female leader in the charity’s history.
Croasdell is set to take over from Steve McIvor on 1 July, who has been CEO since 2016.
She joined the charity in September 2022 as its UK country director from WWF UK, where she had been director of public sector partnerships for over four years.
Croasdell has experience working in various government departments for over 12 years.
Formerly, she was head of campaigns at 10 Downing Street for two years, and head of communications at NATO and foreign affairs for a year before that.
‘Honoured to be appointed’
Croasdell, who lives with her partner Dawn and their two dogs in Hertfordshire, said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the chief executive for World Animal Protection and to lead this incredible organisation as we fight to take the factory out of farming and work to ensure no future generations of wildlife are cruelly exploited for profit.
“Growing up in South Africa, I have seen how people, through collective action, can change the world. I know that by working together, with our supporters and activists globally, we will transform the lives of animals, while also benefiting people and the planet.”
World Animal Protection chair Joanna Kerr said that Croasdell was chosen as the charity’s next leader following a “global and rigorous recruitment process”.
She said: “The board is very much looking forward to working with this visionary and energetic leader, campaigner and changemaker to advance our people-powered campaigns to move the world to protect animals.”
Outgoing CEO McIvor said: “It has been such a privilege to lead World Animal Protection and I’m incredibly proud of our dedicated, talented team and our achievements to create a better world for animals.
“I am delighted to be passing the baton to Tricia who I know will lead a team that champions animal welfare at the highest level and puts pressure on global corporations and governments to transform the systems that fuel animal cruelty and suffering.”
World Animal Protection’s total income for the financial year ending December 2022 was £38.3m against expenditure of £31.8m.
In 2014, the charity changed its name from the World Society for the Protection of Animals to World Animal Protection.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify that the charity was established in 1950, but merged in 1981.
