“I am delighted and feel honoured to have been chosen to take the College forward into its next stage of development."

Lizzie Lockett has replaced Nick Stace as CEO of the RCVS, having worked in the college’s communications department for over 10 years.

After a career in marketing and public relations, Lizzie joined the college as head of communications in 2005. She was appointed as director of strategic communications in November 2015 and deputy CEO in September last year.

Earlier this year Nick Stace revealed he was leaving the college to take on a new role at the Prince’s Trust. After becoming CEO in 2012 he led the college through a period of great change, which saw the introduction of a new Royal Charter and a major governance reform.

Lizzie took over as acting CEO when Mr Stace left the college at the end of September. Her new role as CEO was agreed by council on 2 November.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am delighted and feel honoured to have been chosen to take the College forward into its next stage of development.

“I see the Council’s choice of an internal candidate, able to maintain momentum for change and help the College continue on our current strategic path, as an endorsement of the amazing work of the staff at Belgravia House.

“Under Nick Stace’s leadership, the College achieved some really excellent things for the profession, the public, and animal health and welfare, and I look forward to our next exciting chapter.”

During her time as head of communications Lizzie oversaw a number of projects including the 2006 launch of the Practice Standards Scheme, a major overhaul of the college’s design and branding in 2011 and the launch of Vet Futures and Mind Matters.

RCVS president Professor Stephen May said: “This was a very rigorous recruitment process with a very strong field of candidates and so it is a testament to Lizzie’s abilities and achievements that she saw off all the opposition.”

Lizzie has been involved in setting the direction of the college, as well as the initiatives and projects she has managed, which have had a “tangible impact on the profession,” he added.

"For example, the Vet Futures project has encouraged the profession to think more strategically about the issues that are facing it and how to achieve constructive solutions, while the Mind Matters Initiative has helped get veterinary mental health further up the agenda and reduced the stigma that many feel about it.

“Her drive and her passion has really pushed these projects forward and I believe she will bring this to the role of CEO.”

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