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Chief Executive of Beat to retire

Andrew Radford retires as Chief Executive of Beat in November; Robin Hepburn is appointed interim CEO

During Andrew’s nine years at the helm, Beat saw requests for help soar from a few thousand a year to nearly 100,000 at the peak of the pandemic, and Beat rose to meet that challenge. In this particularly turbulent period, Andrew led the organisation to create successful partnerships with the NHS, ensuring that those in the eating disorder community who most needed support could still get it.

Beat's support services have also grown significantly under Andrew’s leadership, including the launch of an e-learning platform for carers and education professionals, a very successful programme to support people with binge eating disorders, and much-needed support for those affected by ARFID, a frequently overlooked illness.

At the same time, Beat has raised awareness and understanding among the public and worked with all Governments of the UK to bring about positive change.

Andrew has steered Beat through financial challenges which have affected the whole charity sector post-Covid, and he leaves Beat in a more stable financial position and looking to the future with confidence, ready to embark upon an ambitious new five-year strategy.

Robin Hepburn will take over from Andrew at the start of December after stepping down from his position on Beat’s Board of Trustees.

Robin joins Beat with a wealth of business leadership experience from a successful career in the City of London. He also has extensive charity knowledge, having served as the Chair of Trustees for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction, on the Board of The Matthew Project in Norwich, and on Beat’s Board since March 2023.

Beat is a charity close to his heart, having had personal experience of caring for a loved one with an eating disorder.

Robin will lead Beat whilst the Board conducts a search process to appoint a permanent Chief Executive later in 2025.

Andrew Radford, Chief Executive at Beat, commented: 

‘I’ve had a wonderful nine years at Beat and will greatly miss working alongside many inspiring individuals. It is their dedication and passion that make Beat successful, allowing us to support tens of thousands of people each year.

‘I’m stepping down at a time when the NHS is once again facing significant challenges, but with a promise of hope from the new government. I take great comfort in leaving Beat well-positioned to continue its vital advocacy and support programmes, helping eating disorder services recover and grow.

‘I will be cheering my colleagues on as they continue to provide life-changing support to the many who will need our help in the years to come.’

Robin Hepburn, Interim Chief Executive, said: 

‘I have personally witnessed the devastating impact of an eating disorder, so being asked to lead Beat, an organisation carrying out such vital work, is deeply meaningful to me and I am honoured to step into the role of Interim Chief Executive.

‘The number of people seeking help for eating disorders in the UK is sadly still not declining, however Beat remains steadfast in discovering innovative ways to provide vital support and hope, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our valued supporters and partners.’

Mike Cooke, Chair of Trustees at Beat, said:

‘We are deeply grateful for Andrew’s leadership, which has shaped Beat into the charity it is today, providing essential support to the eating disorder community, improving access to services, and guiding us through tumultuous periods such as the pandemic.

‘We wish him a well-earned retirement and warmly welcome Robin, whose experience will be invaluable during this transition.’