a Putney resident.....

Thames21 have announced the appointment of Deborah Leach as its new Chief Executive. She will take up her post in June 2005. She is a former rower, keen sailor and lives near the Thames at Putney.

Deborah is currently Head of Fundraising, Marketing & Promotions at Sport Leaders UK where she has worked closely with communities across the UK to help people discover their potential through sport. She brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to Thames21.

Deborah pictured left succeeds Mark Lloyd who took up his post as Director of the Anglers Conservation Association on March 31st.

Following the announcement, Deborah Leach said, “I’m delighted with the chance to build on Thames21’s already formidable achievements, working with communities to create clean, safe and sustainable waterside environments.”

“It is an exciting time to join this rapidly-growing organisation. With Thames21 relaunch as a charity last year, I look forward to generating more opportunities to work with communities, local authorities, statutory agencies and the private sector to deliver clean water environments in the capital.”

Former Chief Executive Mark Lloyd said: “I have made no secret of my sadness at leaving Thames21 where I started as an enthusiastic and freshfaced volunteer nearly ten years ago. However, my departure is made much easier with the knowledge that Deborah will be steering the organisation to the next level. I wish Thames21 and Deborah all the best for the future.”

Thames21’s Chair Francis Carnwarth said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Deborah to head up the Thames21 team. She is firmly commited to enhancing the profile and achievements of Thames21. But we are sad to lose Mark Lloyd, who in 10 years has helped to create such a dynamic organisation supported by an outstanding team. We are extremely grateful to him and wish him every success in the future.”

Deborah brings with her 15 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, with a focus on getting people involved and contributing to the life of their community. At Sport Leaders UK she oversaw an organisational re-brand and delivery of a promotional and marketing strategy to raise the corporate profile – positive positioning both with strategic partners and the communities in which the organisation operates.