Battersea announces departure of CEO Claire Horton
Claire Horton CBE became chief executive of Battersea in 2010.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has announced the upcoming departure of its long-time chief executive, Claire Horton CBE.
According to Battersea, Claire will depart at the end of January to take up the role of Director General at The Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The recruitment process for a new chief executive is expected to begin shortly.
Battersea chairman Paul Baldwin commented: “Battersea is truly indebted to Claire for her visionary and transformative leadership. Claire has been hugely committed to Battersea, an exceptional leader who has built and led her teams from strength to strength.
“Her passion, energy and drive truly inspired our staff and volunteers and she leaves a strong and lasting legacy. Thanks to Claire, tens of thousands of dogs and cats all over the world face a brighter future, one in which they will be treated with the love, care and respect they so deserve.”
Claire became chief executive of Battersea in March 2010 during its landmark 150th anniversary. Since then she has led the total transformation of the charity, securing continued year-on-year growth, increasing its supporter base, quadrupling its income, repositioning the brand and investing in the expansion of its direct animal services.
Under Claire's leadership, Battersea has used its voice to effect changes in legislation, including increases to sentences for animal cruelty, Lucy’s Law and compulsory microchipping of dogs. Claire has also overseen redevelopment of Battersea’s three sites to provide state-of-the-art kennels, cattery, and hospital facilities for the thousands of dogs and cats that need Battersea’s help every year.
Commenting on her departure, Claire Horton said: “Battersea is an incredible organisation, filled with the most talented and dedicated people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with and all totally focussed on changing and saving the lives of animals. Their shared sense of purpose and commitment is breath-taking and it is this dynamism and energy that has made Battersea one of the foremost animal welfare organisations in the world.
“I am deeply honoured to have worked alongside them for so long and I want to thank everyone at Battersea for their unstinting support, and their belief in me, over the last eleven years. Whilst I might be leaving as CEO, I shall remain very much part of the Battersea family, as a staunch supporter, fundraiser and advocate and my commitment to changing the world for animals remains as strong as it ever did.
She added: “My move to head up the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in January takes me into a new sector and to a pivotal role in the historic, global institution that honours and cares for the graves and memorials of the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten. I feel extremely privileged to be afforded this truly unique and unrivalled opportunity.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
