The League Against Cruel Sports has named Emma Slawinski, the RSPCA’s director of policy, prevention and campaigns, as its next chief executive.

She is to join the League in March 2025 after just under four years at the RSPCA.

“I am delighted and honoured to announce that I am taking up the role of CEO at League Against Cruel Sports,” said Slawinski.

“The League is a fantastic organisation with an urgent mission, which is very close to my heart. I look forward to being part of this vital organisation who have helped to change the way people and animals live alongside each other for 100 years.

“However, it is with a heavy heart that, after nearly four years, I say goodbye to the RSPCA and everything we have achieved together. I am incredibly proud of all we’ve done in my time here to improve animals’ lives.”

Her previous roles have included director of campaigns and communications at Compassion in World Farming and a non-executive director at the Animal Health and Welfare Board England.

League chair, and Labour MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, Dan Norris said: “Emma has a long history of successfully reducing the pain and suffering of animals through her outstanding work in key animal welfare organisations.

“From writing to the RSPCA about the Grand National as a primary school student to becoming its director of policy, prevention, and campaigns, Emma has dedicated her life to protecting animals and we are delighted she will now join the League to protect animals persecuted through so called sport.”

She replaces interim chief executive Chris Luffingham, who will remain at the charity as its deputy CEO.

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