Brooke appoints new Chair

Brooke, the world’s largest international working animal charity, has appointed Kirsty Hayes as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Kirsty Hayes is the International Director at the Home Office and in September 2021 will take up a new role as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic. Kirsty succeeds Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, who was Brooke’s Chair from 2013.

Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter said: “After seven eventful years as Chairman of this great charity I am delighted to be handing over to Kirsty Hayes. I am quite sure she will derive great pride, as I have, in improving the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules across the globe.”

Before becoming a British Ambassador, Kirsty was Head of the International Organisation Department in what was then the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where she was responsible for policy on the United Nations, the Commonwealth and was the UK’s lead negotiator at the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

On her appointment as Brooke’s new Chair she said: “I am honoured to accept the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees of Brooke. Brooke has a long and proud history of supporting horses, donkeys and mules around the world, working with communities to ensure sustainable and lasting change. I have followed the excellent work done by the charity for many years, and am delighted to have this opportunity to join its talented and committed staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters in this important cause.”

Kirsty Hayes takes up her position officially on 2 December 2020.