He will take over on 1 March after the current CEO, Ian Green OBE, steps down after seven years in the position.

Angell joined Terrence Higgins Trust in 2020 as its interim Head of Policy and Public Affairs before becoming Campaigns Director.

In this time, he has led on a year’s worth of activity to mark 40 years since the death of the charity’s namesake Terry Higgins, the first named person to die of an AIDS-related illness in the UK.

He has also overseen the charity’s response to mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, as the charity worked to tackle stigma against gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

In addition to this, Angell played an integral role in securing £20 million in government funding for opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments in areas of very high HIV prevalence, as well as helping to overturn discriminatory policies surrounding blood donation and serving in the military.

READ MORE: Terrence Higgins Trust launches sexual health archive to mark 40 years of HIV/AIDS activism

“Richard has had a remarkable impact on all aspects of Terrence Higgins Trust’s work since joining two and a half years ago,” said Green of the appointment. “We’ve worked closely together on many key issues and I’ve seen up close Richard at his best as a passionate problem-solver who gets things done. His appointment ensures a seamless transition and that we won’t take our foot off the gas for a second.”

Jonathan McShane, the charity’s chair, added that Angell’s “talent, passion and drive mean he’s the right person to ensure the charity makes the progress against our big goals – ending new HIV cases by 2030, ensuring everyone living with HIV is living well and tackling the acute inequalities in sexual and reproductive health.”

I am equally excited and humbled to become the new Chief Executive of @THTorguk – the most amazing organisation with wonderful colleagues, supporters and volunteers.

Thanks to @jonathanmcshane & the board for the opportunity.

We have big goals. Help us reach them today 👇 https://t.co/DkxZsGQuvK

— Richard Angell 🇺🇦 (@RichardAngell) February 2, 2023

Angell has a proven track record of providing policy, communications and fundraising strategy advice to organisational leaders across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

He has previously worked for think tank Progress, as well as with political leaders in both the UK and Australia.

READ MORE: 5 leading politicians on ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030

“It is an honour and privilege to take on this role of a lifetime leading a charity which has changed lives for the past four decades – and which continues to do so,” he said of his new role. “Terrence Higgins Trust is still here today because we’re adaptable, user-led and, crucially, quick to respond to the most pressing of issues in HIV, sexual and reproductive health.

“While the organisation doubles down on the goal to be the first country to end new HIV cases, by 2030, we will ensure our services are here for everyone living with HIV and that sexual and reproductive healthcare is the national priority it should be. I’m very excited about the future and hugely thankful to Ian Green OBE, the whole Terrence Higgins Trust team and our forebears who have worked for 40 years to change our country for the better.”

You can read the announcement in full here.