Vanessa joins Beat with extensive leadership experience in mental health and youth sectors; most recently as Chief Executive of early intervention charity Chance UK, and previously in senior roles at YoungMinds, where as Director of Development and interim Co-CEO she led significant income growth and transformation to address the youth mental health crisis.
Vanessa will be taking over from Interim Chief Executive Robin Hepburn and will officially assume her new role on Monday 16 June 2025.
Vanessa Longley, Beat’s incoming Chief Executive, said:
‘I’m thrilled to be joining Beat at such a crucial time. Eating disorders are serious, complex illnesses — but with the right support early on, recovery is possible. But too many are waiting too long to get that support.
‘I want to help change that and can’t wait to work with our brilliant team, supporters and campaigners to make sure fewer people reach crisis point, and everyone gets the help they need, when they need it.’
Chris Martin, Beat’s Chair of Trustees, said:
‘With an estimated 1.25 million people affected by eating disorders in the UK, the demand for early intervention and Beat’s vital services has never been greater.
‘We are extremely pleased that Vanessa will be joining us. She brings a wealth of sector expertise, along with a clear vision and deep personal commitment to our cause. We are confident that under her leadership, Beat will continue to grow and evolve—reaching more people, earlier, with the life-changing support that they, their families, and their carers so urgently need.’