Keith Hickey, chief Executive of the Charity Finance Directors' Group (CFDG) is leaving to become the resources group director at the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).

Hickey, who took over the CFDG role in 2006, has raised the profile of the organisation to ensure that it now influences finance policy at the highest levels.

In particular, Hickey has been a respected voice during the current recession.

Over the last 12 months CFDG has published timely research on the impacts of the recession, spoken out on charity finance issues and provided services to support charity finance professionals.

Hickey's focus on the needs of members has seen the organisation increase its membership by 35%, improve its interaction with members, widen its range of membership services and increase its presence outside of London.

Members have increased their attendance at CFDG events and participated in policy consultations in greater numbers under his tenure.

His ambitious approach has led to the organisation to develop a focused strategy and implement a business plan which has resulted in a healthy financial situation despite the recession.

Melvin Coleman, CFDG deputy chair, said: "We are sorry to lose Keith: under his leadership CFDG has been steered into its current strong position where it is ready to take on the challenges of the future."

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