Thrive, the gardening for health charity has announced that Ben Thomas, currently Thrive’s Head of Operations, has been appointed as the next CEO to lead Thrive, replacing Kathryn Rossiter who steps down this month.
Ben has been working as a senior manager within the charity sector for nine years, with responsibility for a broad range of charitable operations and service delivery. He volunteered for several local charities and joined Thrive in 2021. Over the last three years, Ben has overseen the redevelopment of Thrive’s Information Service, which provides guidance and activities for over 100,000 subscribers, enabling them to improve their health and well-being through gardening. Chair of the Trustees, Faith Ramsay said:
“We were very impressed with Ben’s performance throughout a comprehensive and rigorous recruitment process. I look forward to working with Ben in his new role from April.“
Ben is passionate about the greater role Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) could play in society and is looking forward to furthering Thrive’s charitable activity, building on partnership relationships and getting more involved in advocacy work:
“I’m delighted to have been invited to lead Thrive and build on Kathryn’s great work. There is huge potential for Thrive and the STH sector as we work towards better recognition so that we can help many more people to improve their health and wellbeing through gardening. I am really looking forward to this new role and continuing to work with all our great staff and volunteers.”
Kathryn Rossiter has led Thrive for eleven years and said although she was sad to be leaving Thrive, she was pleased to be handing over to Ben:
“Having worked with him for the last three years it was clear that it was only a matter of time before he took the next step up – I’m very glad that Thrive have been able to offer him that progression. I wish him and the whole team at Thrive all the very best for the future.”
