Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN)’s chief executive Rosario Guimba-Stewart is to step down after 14 years to take up a senior role within a grant giving foundation.

During her time at the charity it has grown from a staff of three to 25 and seen its annual income increase from £200,000 a year to £1m. Last year more than 1,600 people sought advice and help from the charity.

“I am absolutely honoured to have worked for LRMN for nearly 14 years,” said Guimba-Stewart, who is joining funder London Catalyst as its executive director.

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside fantastic staff, trustees, volunteers, and partners in order to ensure that sanctuary seekers are truly able to thrive.

“I cannot overemphasise the resilience, commitment, and support that our team and our community has shown in the years I have been here.

“I am extremely proud of the organisation we have built together and I am confident that LRMN will continue to be a leader in supporting sanctuary seekers across London.”

After guiding LRMN for 14 years, Rosario Guimba-Stewart is standing down as our CEO, while our Head of Operations Alan Robertson will fill in as Interim CEO 👏

🙌Interested in our CEO role? Read more here: https://t.co/IjlBN2FDhJ#lewisham #newbeginnings #southeastlondon pic.twitter.com/oZLMIXSZgh

— Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN) (@LRMNetwork) February 13, 2024

The charity’s chair Claire Morris added: “She has navigated the ups and downs of last years – including the challenges of Covid-19 lockdown and its consequent impact on service delivery - with charisma, passion, resilience, and an exemplary work ethic.”

LRMN head of operations Alan Robertson has been appointed as interim chief executive while the charity looks for a permanent replacement for Guimba-Stewart.

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