The Ramblers Association has appointed Scouts deputy chief executive and chief operating officer Ross Maloney as its next chief executive.

He joins in July and takes over from Tanya Curry, who has been interim chief executive for more than two years.

He leads an overhaul management team at the charity, which has seen three new directors recruited in the last 12 months.

“I have long held a passion for the outdoors and especially walking, which I have enjoyed with family and friends throughout my life,” said Maloney, who is also a former chief executive of World Skills UK.

“The rich heritage of the Ramblers and its ambitions really excite me. I am keen to start working with the board of trustees and the staff team to make sure that we do everything we can to enable as many people as possible to enjoy nature on foot, and to maintain our relentless focus on improving our access to open countryside and ensuring our urban and rural path network remains open to all.

“I look forward to working on providing a great experience for Ramblers’ members and volunteers, supporting them to deliver so much of the Ramblers’ work, whether it’s running group walks or protecting and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well-loved paths, tracks, and trails.

“I’m especially passionate about seeking to make the Ramblers accessible to, and reflective of, communities across Great Britain, and I’m pleased to be joining at a time when there is so much opportunity to make that a reality.”

Ramblers Association chair Rebecca Dawson added: “He brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Scouts, and WorldSkills UK, including knowledge of membership organisations with large volunteer bodies, and devolved structures.

“Ross’ enthusiasm for walking and the outdoors will stand him in good stead as he leads our organisation into a future where we make walking accessible to everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background or ability.”

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