8th October 2025 – BBC Children in Need today announces that Simon Antrobus will step down as Chief Executive on 31st December 2025 following nine years of dedicated leadership. Simon has been appointed Chief Executive of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and will take up the role in the new year. He will remain with the charity through this year’s Appeal to support a smooth and effective transition.

Simon has led BBC Children in Need through a period of significant change, innovation and impact. Under his leadership, the charity has deepened its commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people across the UK, built powerful partnerships across sectors, and evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves.

Simon Antrobus said: “It has been a huge honour and a privilege to lead BBC Children in Need for the past nine years. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together – the difference we have made for children and young people across the UK, and the strength of this charity as it heads into the future. I will always remain a passionate supporter of BBC Children in Need and everything it stands for, which is why my immediate focus is delivering a successful 2025 Appeal.”

James Fairclough, Interim Chair, said: “Simon has made an exceptional contribution to Children in Need over the past nine years. He has overseen record-breaking campaigns, strengthened our focus on impact, and ensured the charity is in a strong position for the future. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his outstanding leadership and wish him every success in his new role with RNIB.”

Claire Hoyle, currently Chief Campaigns & Engagement Officer, will be appointed Interim Chief Executive from 1 December. She brings extensive knowledge of the charity, a strong record of strategic leadership and change, and a clear commitment to delivering lasting impact for children and young people across the UK.

The charity will begin a formal recruitment process for a permanent CEO in due course.

Following an extensive search, Terry Duddy will join the Board of Trustees as Chair on 21st October. He brings a wealth of governance and leadership experience across both the charity and commercial sectors, along with a strong commitment to supporting children and young people. Terry currently serves as a Trustee of London Marathon Foundation, Chair of London Marathon Events and Chair of the charity Catch 22.  He has previously held senior commercial roles including Chief Executive of Home Retail Group Plc.

Terry Duddy said: “It’s a privilege to become Chair of BBC Children in Need at this pivotal time. Few charities can unite the nation in the way BBC Children in Need does, and I look forward to working with the Board, the executive team and our BBC colleagues to build on that legacy and ensure we continue making a real difference for children and young people.”

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