A charity for people who have problems with their sense of smell and taste has appointed its founder and chairman as its first chief executive.

Duncan Boak takes on the role a decade after launching Fifth Sense, in partnership with Prof Carl Philpott, a specialist in smell and taste disorders.

Boak has stepped down from the board of trustees to take the senior staff role and is replaced by former Muscular Dystrophy UK chief executive Robert Meadowcroft as chair.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Fifth Sense’s first chief executive.” said Boak.

“This is a significant time for the charity and cause that I have spent the last ten
years championing.

“The covid-19 pandemic has created significant awareness of the impact of smell and taste impairment but it has also highlighted the lack of treatment options for patients and the need for both more research and better education and training for the healthcare profession.

"I’m looking forward to working with our board, partners and volunteer team to drive forward an ambitious programme of support, education and research.

“Fifth Sense continues to lead the way in transforming people’s understanding of smell and taste disorders and I’m very proud to have this opportunity.”

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