Trust Appoints Lisa Morris-Tomkins As New Chief Executive

She will replace Peter Laurie who is leaving the charity after three and a half years to take up the position of Director of Operations at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Commenting on the appointment, RGT Chairman Dr Andrew Higgins said: "I am greatly looking forward to welcoming Lisa to the Trust. She beat a strong pool of applicants to land the role and her passion for animal welfare generally and greyhounds in particular, combined with her strong and relevant experience, really shone through. 

"Importantly, Lisa has experience not only of working with staff and volunteers across large branch networks but also of fundraising, financial management and external affairs. 

"I have no doubt that under Lisa's leadership, the Trust will continue to find homes for thousands of greyhounds each year and strengthen its position as one of the country's leading welfare and rehoming organisations."

Currently, Lisa is the Interim Chief Executive of Greyhound Rescue West of England. She had previously held several senior positions within the charity sector, including Director of Operations for the Southern Region at the RSPCA. In that role she not only supported and developed a large network of RSPCA branches to deliver animal welfare services to their local communities but also managed a network of rehoming centres and veterinary hospitals and was involved in external and public affairs and fundraising.

Lisa Morris-Tomkins said: "I feel privileged to be joining the Retired Greyhound Trust and all of the special people that work, volunteer and support the Trust in their tireless work to home greyhounds when they retire from their racing careers.

"I am looking forward to working closely with the Trustees, staff and the Branch network to further the reach of RGT, ensure more people recognise us, support us and experience our wonderful work.
"I am delighted to bring my professional experience, my passion for animal welfare and my love for these amazing dogs to RGT in its very special 40th Anniversary year."

Lisa's first day at the RGT will be Monday 2nd February 2015. She will be based with the Trust's team of staff at its office in Worcester Park, Surrey.