We’re proud to have partnered with Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, on the appointment of their new Chief Executive, Vanessa Longley.

Vanessa brings deep leadership experience in the mental health and youth sectors. She joins Beat from Chance UK, where she was Chief Executive, and previously held senior roles at YoungMinds, including interim Co-CEO. Throughout her career, Vanessa has championed early intervention, driven transformational change, and grown impact at scale — making her an exceptional fit for Beat’s mission.

She will officially take up the role on Monday 16 June 2025, succeeding Robin Hepburn, who has been serving as Interim CEO.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Beat at such a crucial time,” said Vanessa. “Eating disorders are serious, complex illnesses — but with the right support early on, recovery is possible. Too many are waiting too long to get that support. I want to help change that and can’t wait to work with our brilliant team, supporters and campaigners to make sure fewer people reach crisis point, and everyone gets the help they need, when they need it.”

Chris Martin, Chair of Trustees at Beat, commented:

“We are extremely pleased that Vanessa will be joining us. She brings a wealth of sector expertise, along with a clear vision and deep personal commitment to our cause. We are confident that under her leadership, Beat will continue to grow and evolve — reaching more people, earlier, with the life-changing support that they, their families, and their carers so urgently need.”

This appointment was led by Melissa Baxter, our Partner and specialist in charity executive search, with support from Jashan Sangha, Executive Search Consultant.

We’re delighted to have helped Beat secure such an inspiring and capable leader. Congratulations to Vanessa — and to everyone at Beat — on this exciting new chapter.
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