Penny Thewlis has been instrumental in the development and growth of Age UK Oxfordshire over the past 23 years, including 7 years as CEO, but she has stepped down with a plan to put the charity’s mission of ‘living later life to the full’ into practice. Paul Ringer took the reins on 11th September.

Penny said “My time here has been the most rewarding and enjoyable experience imaginable. I have had the great pleasure and privilege of working alongside truly amazing colleagues – staff, volunteers and trustees – as well as with all of you. I have witnessed much growth, innovation and change.

“My very sincere thanks for all the support you have given me over the years, and all the very best to you and to this wonderful organisation for the future.

“I am delighted to pass the baton into Paul’s safe and very capable hands – he has all the qualities and the values to lead Age UK Oxfordshire and Action for Carers (Oxfordshire) to the next stage, at a time when the two organisations have never been more needed. I wish him very well and hope he enjoys the role half as much as I have.”

Paul Ringer joins Age UK Oxfordshire and sister charity Action for Carers (Oxfordshire) as CEO from a role as Interim CEO of Riding for the Disabled UK and brings a background in social care and a decade of senior management experience in the charity sector.