Rowney, who is currently Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing, Strategy and Innovation at Macmillan Cancer Support, will join the charity on Monday 2 September.

She takes over from the charity’s current chief executive, Baroness Delyth Morgan, who steps down to retire on Friday 28 June, having delivered 30 years of outstanding leadership in the charity sector, 23 years of which have been dedicated to breast cancer.

Claire Rowney said of her appointment, “I am over the moon to be joining Breast Cancer Now at this important point in time for people with breast cancer. I’m full of energy and passion to make a meaningful difference today and in the future for people with breast cancer, and to lead such an inspiring, focused and pioneering organisation.”

Rowney’s career spans 15 years of charity sector leadership, and in 2023 she was voted one of Campaign Magazine’s ‘Power 100’. Her career includes 13 years at Cancer Research UK where she managed a diverse range of teams and areas of commercial activity and marketing, being promoted through roles in her time there to director of innovation, Stand up to Cancer and events.  

Jill Thompson, chair of trustees at Breast Cancer Now said, “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Claire as our new chief executive. She will join the charity at a critical time, leading the development of our organisational strategy that will set out how, over the next five years, we’ll continue to turn the tide against breast cancer.

“Claire is a highly strategic leader with extensive director level experience within the cancer charity sector, having worked at Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, across fundraising, marketing, strategy and innovation. At Macmillan she has led a team of over 500 people to raise more than £230 million per annum of voluntary income.

“Claire brings not only a strong understanding and belief in our commitment to being there for everyone affected by breast cancer, but also huge enthusiasm, energy and drive to make this happen. We look forward to Breast Cancer Now growing and developing under her leadership to be there for even more people affected by breast cancer.” 

For the two months between Morgan departing and Rowney joining the charity, Rachael Franklin, director of fundraising, communications and engagement at Breast Cancer Now will act as interim chief executive to ensure seamless continuation of leadership of the charity.

ENDS

To arrange an interview with Claire Rowney please contact the Breast Cancer Now press office at press@breastcancernow.org or call 07436 107914.

About Breast Cancer Now

If you’re experiencing breast cancer we’re here, whenever you need us. Be it through our support services, trusted breast cancer information or our specialist nurses who you can reach via our free Helpline and 24/7 Online Forum. Backed by dedicated campaigners, we’re fighting for the best possible treatment, services, and care, for anyone affected by breast cancer. And support from our amazing fundraisers helps ensure our life-saving research and life-changing support can happen.

If you’re worried about breast cancer, or have a question about breast health, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Speak to our expert nurses now by calling our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 or visit forum.breastcancernow.org