Here at Battersea, we’re delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Laurie as our new Chief Executive.
Over the past six years, Peter has been our Operations Director, becoming Deputy CEO in 2017. Before joining Battersea, Peter was Chief Executive of the Retired Greyhound Trust and he is the proud owner of a Battersea Greyhound, Wilson, who he rehomed in March 2020.
Peter will step into the role with immediate effect, having held the position of Interim Chief Executive since January, following the departure of Claire Horton CBE.
Peter’s appointment as CEO comes at a time when we’re not only continuing to receive, care for, and rehome thousands of dogs and cats across our centres. We’re also growing our work to help more animals beyond our gates. This includes sharing our expertise with rescue and rehoming organisations across the globe. We support them with grants and use our profile to raise the visibility of rescue around the world. Additionally, we use our voice to drive lasting change for animals, such as through animal cruelty legislation.
Peter has been at the helm of much of this work and is a prominent figure in the animal welfare sector. Through his creation of Battersea’s Animal Partnerships team, to work with other rescue centres and Local Authorities. Last year Battersea took in 342 animals from other rescues and established a new partnership with the RSPCA. This is to provide medical treatment for dogs and cats following the closure of its Putney hospital. In 2018, he also led the creation of the Battersea Academy, a centre for professional development that trains animal welfare practitioners from across the UK and around the world.
Commenting on his appointment, Peter said:
“I feel very honoured and excited to be asked to lead Battersea. It’s a charity I am deeply committed to and a cause I am truly passionate about. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, our staff, volunteers and supporters are as determined now as at any time in our history to be here for every dog and cat that needs us. We look forward to harnessing new opportunities and working in partnership with colleagues across the UK and around the world to create brighter futures for these wonderful animals”.
We wish Peter the best of luck in his new role. We’re all excited to be working with him so we can continue to be here for every dog and cat.
