RNIB CEO to step down in December

The chief executive of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Matt Stringer, will step down in December.

Recruitment for a successor will begin in May 2025 with a view to the new CEO starting in January 2026.

Stringer joined the charity in 2019 after 30 years in the retail sector, where he held senior leadership roles in brands including Marks & Spencer, Carphone Warehouse, and Mothercare.

The charity highlighted that Stringer had led the RNIB through challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

The CEO has also led the development and implementation of a new strategic direction.

Read more on RNIB's 2024–2027 strategy

“We need to be working with people who have a shared interest”

OT sat down with Matt Stringer, RNIB chief executive, to discuss the 10-year ambitions and three-year goals set out in the charity’s 2024–2027 strategy

Stringer said: “I’m immensely proud of leading RNIB through the past six years, continuing our vital work in supporting blind and partially sighted people, and positioning us at the forefront of informing the national debate around eye health and eye care.”

“It feels like the right time to pass on the baton, with the organisation in good shape and facing confidently into the future,” he added.

Stringer plans to semi-retire and pursue non-exec roles and personal interests, including staying involved with RNIB through avenues like volunteering.

Anna Tylor, chair of trustees, commented: “The charity sector has faced unprecedented challenges over the past six years, between the COVID-19 pandemic, cost-of-living crisis and so much more. Matt’s leadership has been instrumental in ensuring RNIB maintained momentum and relentlessly continued to pursue our goals, reaching more people year-on-year.”

The charity is financially fit and “making strides” with its new strategy, Tylor said, adding: “Matt has managed our recent organisation-wide transformation expertly and has the full support of the Board in the changes that he has brought about within the organisation to improve it for the better. We’re incredibly grateful to Matt for everything he’s done for RNIB and wish him all the very best for the future.”