Food waste expert to head Coeliac UK

Hilary Croft has worked in business transformation for Capgemini, handling accounts such as Sky, Lego and Virgin Atlantic. She has also held food and drink marketing and commercial positions for firms including Marks & Spencer, Coca-Cola and Compass Group.

At the Felix Project, she developed significant partnerships with food suppliers and re-distributors to reduce food waste and food poverty across London.

Exiting CEO​

Croft replaces former CEO Sarah Sleet, who served 13 years with the charity and joined Crohn’s & Colitis UK in March in the same role.

“I look forward to developing the charity’s strong reputation, bringing fresh ideas and strategic insights,” ​Croft said. “Naturally, my direct experience of coeliac disease, through my son’s condition, further motivates me to achieve real and lasting change for the gluten-free community.”​

Mike Elliott, Coeliac UK’s chair of governors, added: “Hilary’s business and strategic acumen will bring new drive and impetus at this exciting time in Coeliac UK’s journey.​

‘Experienced change leader’​

“The charity is currently entering a new ten-year strategic review and requires an experienced change leader to adapt to a constantly evolving, complex environment.​

“We feel Hilary is exceptionally qualified to lead Coeliac UK into the future and we look forward to welcoming her​.”

Croft is also a trustee of Age UK Ealing and a global fundraising committee member for Tearfund, a charity that helps communities around the world escape the very worst effects of poverty and disaster.