The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) recently announced that it has appointed Vincent Smith as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective Nov. 9.
Smith received the position after Chris Head retired from his role as CEO. He was with the organization for eight years.
“It has been a great privilege to work with so many dedicated supporters and staff,” Head said. “Together we have funded vital vaccine research, campaigned for improvements in prevention and supported thousands of people affected by the disease. It’s vital this work continues in the future and I wish Vinny every success in his new role.”
Previously, Smith worked with Cancer Research U.K. He was there for seven years before he was made the chief operating officer at the organization’s international development and domestic violence departments.
“I’m thrilled to be joining MRF at such an exciting time,” Smith said. “Vaccines are already proving their worth in controlling some forms of meningitis and septicaemia in the U.K. And research into new and better vaccines for wider protection in the U.K. must continue to build on this success.
“At the same time meningitis is still a common cause of death in some of the poorest countries in the world. Whilst that challenges persists, so does our work.”
