The chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, Simon Gillespie, is set to retire at the end of the year after almost seven years in post.

Gillespie joined the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in 2013, following seven years as chief executive of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

This year, Gillespie was honoured with an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, recognising his service to patients and medical research.

He was also the only charity CEO to win an Employee's Choice Award from Glassdoor this year, after being voted one of the top 50 CEOs in the country by employees and volunteers.

“I would like to thank Simon for his outstanding contribution to the charity over almost seven years. His leadership has seen the BHF make a positive difference to thousands of lives every year," BHF chair Doug Gurr said.

"He has put people at the heart of this organisation, which relies on the support of individuals, communities and companies to thrive and develop its life-saving work. We will be truly sorry to see Simon moving on at the end of this year but wish him the very best for his well-deserved retirement.”

Gillespie added: “It has been a huge privilege and a real pleasure to lead such a tremendous charity for almost seven years. I have been continually inspired by the tireless support given by the BHF’s staff, volunteers and supporters, and thank them for their hard work, dedication and friendship. I remain as passionate and committed to the cause of beating heartbreak forever, and I will continue to actively support the life-saving work of the BHF.”

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