The MS Society has appointed Hilary Sears as its new chairman. She will take over from Tony Kennan CBE, who is stepping down after six years on 9 September.

Sears will take up the post on 1 January 2012. The board will appoint an acting chairman for the interim period at its meeting on 9 September.

Sears is a senior business professional, with experience in the private and public sectors. She has a background in marketing and business development, and in diversity and governance issues.

She also brings with her a great deal of experience working with membership organisations, including the Association of MBAs, which she chaired for several years. She is also currently chairman of Kids, the charity working with disabled children, young people and their families.

Sear’s personal connection to the cause is that her father, Clifford, was diagnosed with MS in the early 1980s, only to be told eight years later that he was in fact suffering from a condition called Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, which affects the part of the brain which controls movement, and can present similar symptoms to MS. He spent several years undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, along with other MS patients.

"I’m honoured to have been appointed to this important position," she said. "When I saw the opportunity, it seemed such a perfect fit for me."