StepChange has appointed Vikki Brownridge as the debt charity’s new chief executive, taking up her post on 1 May.  

She steps up from director of operations, taking over from Phil Andrew who will leave the charity after more than five years in the role.    

Brownridge is the first woman to lead the operation and has worked at the group for more than 17 years in a variety of roles, starting as a debt advice centre manager.  

The charity says as head of debt advice she was instrumental in launching the first online debt advice service as well as delivering significant operational efficiencies.  

Later as head of strategic relationships she oversaw the management of the group’s relationships with creditors, other charities and the Money and Pensions Service.  

StepChange chair John Griffith-Jones says: “Over the past few months we’ve conducted an open and competitive search process to find the right candidate and I’m delighted that Vikki has emerged as the ideal person for the role.”  

Brownridge adds: “To be given the opportunity to lead the charity at such a critical time for those struggling with debt is an enormous privilege and I look forward to the challenge of ensuring the charity and our dedicated colleagues can continue to help as many people as possible while making the case for the change needed to reduce the harm caused by problem debt.”  

Outgoing chief executive Andrew says: “I’m particularly pleased that Vikki has been appointed as the internal candidate, which, I think, shows how seriously we take nurturing and developing talent and future leaders.”