Veterinary surgeon Nicola Martin will be taking over the role.
Cat welfare organisation International Cat Care (iCatCare) has announced its new CEO, Nicola Martin.
She will be taking over the role from Claire Bessant, who has been the organisation’s CEO for 28 years.
Commenting on her new role, Nicola said: “I am thrilled to be appointed CEO of International Cat Care and look forward to working with the trustees, the passionate team and diverse and expert stakeholders to continue to improve the lives of cats worldwide.
“The charity has been close to my heart throughout my veterinary career and the opportunity to lead the next phase of its development is extremely exciting.”
Nicola, a veterinary surgeon who has a vast amount of experience working with charities, is currently chief executive of Canine Partners, and is Chair of Trustees of Assistance Dogs UK.
As a previous trustee of Animal Welfare Foundation, and head of Pet Health and Welfare at the PDSA, Nicola has helped to develop each organisation she has been involved with, including designing the PDSA’s annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report.
Nicola added: “Over the last 28 years, Claire and the team have worked tirelessly with all those who share International Cat Care’s vision and have made significant strides forward in so many areas of feline welfare.
“So much has been achieved for cats, but there is still so much to be done and I look forward to taking on the baton and finding new and innovative ways to work with others to make a real difference to the mental and physical wellbeing of cats worldwide.”
Image (C) iCatCare
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
