The chief executive of Samaritans has today announced that she will be leaving her role this year, after six years working with the charity.

Catherine Johnstone has said she will be looking at a “number of new opportunities”, but that her focus remains on “providing continuity of leadership for Samaritans”.

No date for her departure has been set. She will not leave until she had completed a handover period with her successor, who the charity has begun the recruitment process for.

Johnstone said: “I would like to confirm that after more than six years as chief executive of Samaritans, I have indicated my intention to leave the organisation during 2015. I have made this decision jointly with the board of trustees, with very careful consideration, as the organisation is one of which I have been immensely proud to be chief executive.

“During my tenure, I have been privileged to help lead the organisation’s tireless work to reduce suicide and provide the best possible service for all of our callers, both now and for the future. Whilst it will be a big change for me to move on from an organisation I am incredibly passionate about, I feel strongly that now is the right time for Samaritans to seek a new chief executive to lead the organisation forward to deliver its ambitious new strategy.”

Jenni McCartney, chair of Samaritans, said: “Catherine has helped lead the implementation of Samaritans’ successful six-year strategy ‘Taking a lead to reduce suicide’ and been instrumental in helping the board shape the new strategy for 2015 to 2021.  

“It is testament to her commitment to Samaritans that this change will be managed in a way which will ensure stability for the organisation and the best possible transition to a new chief executive.”