Disability Direct’s chief executive Amo Raju is to step down after 30 years in the role.

The charity says Raju will leave as “the UK’ longest serving CEO if a disability charity”.

Disability Direct said Raju, who will continue to support the charity as an ambassador, had been a “trailblazer in disability services”.

“His tenure as the longest-serving CEO of a disability charity in the UK is marked by significant achievements, including raising £30 million to support various initiatives, it said.

“His leadership has ensured that many vulnerable individuals have a voice and access to essential services.”

Disability Direct’s chair David Moss added: “‘We are all incredibly sad to lose such a dedicated and inspiring CEO. Amo has been a towering and pioneering figure in the third sector and we are honoured his journey started with us which now continues on a national and international platform.

“Today we benefit from a vision he presented to trustees decades earlier, of a self-funding disability charity. His numerous awards and accolades are proof of the love and admiration he has gained from people across the UK. His leadership will be missed.

“However, we are equally delighted that he has agreed to be an Ambassador for the charity which demonstrates his passion to see his organisation continue to flourish.”

During his career he has been awarded an OBE for services to disabled people and last year won a lifetime achievement award at the National Diversity Awards.

Raju added: “I’m sure that not being in the driving seat will feel strange at first but the new role of Ambassador will keep me connected to a charity which will always be at the centre of my heart."

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