After a long career in the news industry, including significant periods with WH Smith Wholesale and as head of the circulation team at The Spectator, van Straubenzee became CEO of NewstrAid in 2005. He joined the Coventry Area Committee as Secretary in 1985, was elected to the Executive Committee in 1991 and served as its Chairman for six years before accepting the role as Chief Executive.

In his time running NewstrAid, van Straubenzee has steered the organisation through a number of significant changes – moving away from the provision of residential care, expanding the range of welfare services offered to over 1,000 beneficiaries, growing welfare expenditure by 85% and safeguarding the future of the charity by significantly building its investment reserves.

Van Straubenzee commented: “I have been very fortunate to have managed NewstrAid during such a period of change. It has been both rewarding and challenging. I could not have achieved so much without the enormous support of a great board of trustees and a devoted staff. My only regret is that I have not been able to do justice to all our volunteers and the wonderful work they do. We have had to make some hard decisions in the new world of compliance, risk analysis and regulatory demands, which have made voluntary activities and fundraising not quite so much fun.

“On the bright side, the charity is in robust structural and financial health and ready to support colleagues from our trade in the long term. My sincerest thanks to all of you who have made my time in the news trade so enjoyable.”

NewstrAid Chairman Mike Mirams said: “Alex has arguably done more for NewstrAid than anyone in its long history. After 20 years supporting the industry’s charity on a voluntary basis, Alex took responsibility for leading NewstrAid through what has been a challenging period for the trade and will leave it in great shape to support many people in need for years to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Alex, who brings unrivalled levels of charm to everything he does. He will be a very tough act to follow.”

For further information or if you are interested in applying for the role of Chief Executive Officer at NewstrAid, contact Ami Davis.