The Charity Retail Association (CRA) has appointed Lorna Fallon as its next chief executive.
Fallon will join the CRA in November and replace Robin Osterley, who is retiring at the end of the year after leading the association for more than 11 years.
Recently interim chief supporter officer at Oxfam GB, Fallon previously oversaw the charity’s more than 500 shops as its retail and trading director.
Before joining Oxfam, Fallon held senior charity retail roles at Cats Protection, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice and Barnardo’s, where she worked for 11 years in total.
Prior to working in the sector, Fallon was merchandise manager for commercial retailer Wickes.
Fallon said: “After more than 25 years working in charity retail, I’m delighted to be joining the CRA as chief executive.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working across a range of organisations from regional to national and international organisations, supporting causes spanning child poverty, animal welfare, and end-of-life care, and international development.
“While the missions have varied, one thing has remained constant, the power of charity retail to raise vital funds, strengthen communities, champion sustainability, and create opportunities for people from all walks of life.
“Long before second-hand shopping became mainstream, charity retailers were leading the way in sustainability. Our sector has been at the forefront of reuse, circular shopping, and environmental responsibility for decades.
“Having spent my career championing these values, I’m incredibly proud to be joining the organisation that represents and supports the very people driving this impact every day.”
Osterley said: “I’m going to be incredibly sad to leave the charity retail family that has been my home for the last 10 years, but it’s time.
“And I’m hugely heartened to know that I’ll be passing the baton over to Lorna, whom I have got to know so well, and who I know will make a fantastic chief executive for the CRA.”
