Education charity appoints former Downing Street official as CEO

The Royal Anniversary Trust, set up in 1990 to fund education activities and events, has appointed former Number 10 Downing Street official Kristina Murrin as its next chief executive.

The charity manages the Queen’s Anniversay Prizes to universities and colleges. The awards were created to mark the 40th anniversary of the Queen’s reign in 1992.

Murrin is replacing Peter Chenery, who is retiring next year when the charity’s 14th round of awards is completed.

She will be CEO designate over the “next few months”, said the charity, before taking over from Chenery in February 2022.

During her time in Whitehall Murrin worked in the Prime Minister’s delivery unit under Tony Blair and was director of implementation under David Cameron.

She also led the government’s review into innovation in defence and security in 2017.

The trust’s chair Damon Buffini said: “We are delighted to both welcome Kristina as CEO and thank Peter for his 15 years’ of excellent leadership.

“Kristina brings with her a wealth of relevant experience to help us take The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes into a new era.”

Kristina Murrin stated “I am excited to be asked to lead The Royal Anniversary Trust at a time when celebrating and honouring Education across the United Kingdom is more important than ever.”