The chief executive of The Donkey Sanctuary, Marianne Steele, is leaving today (Friday 17 July) after 16 years with the international animal welfare charity. 

Faith Burden, the current deputy CEO and executive director of equine operations, will take on the role of interim CEO following Marianne’s departure. She will be supported by the wider executive team.

Marianne joined The Donkey Sanctuary in 2010 to lead its efforts to grow and diversify income and build the charity’s international profile. 

Following a period as interim chief executive, she was appointed to the permanent role in November 2022, the first woman to hold the position since founder Dr Elisabeth Svendsen stepped down in 2008.

‘One of the greatest privileges of my life’

“Being the CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, which has made this decision tremendously difficult,” said Marianne.

“However, after a number of losses and illnesses within my family over recent months, I feel the time has come for me to take stock and re-evaluate how and where I spend my time.

“It’s a wonderful job, but it’s also a big job, and after over 16 years with the charity, the time has come for me to consider a different path – and pace – while my family is still young and at home.

“I leave The Donkey Sanctuary in safe hands, with a highly experienced and talented leadership team in place. I have absolute confidence that together they will carry forward The Donkey Sanctuary’s vision of a world where every donkey has a good quality of life. 

“I feel immense pride and gratitude for everything that our staff, volunteers and supporters have achieved for donkeys in our time together.”

Permanent replacement to be announced

Further details on longer-term leadership arrangements to replace Marianne will follow in due course.

“On behalf of everyone at The Donkey Sanctuary, I want to thank Marianne for her 16 years with the charity, including five years leading the organisation and for the vision and stability she has brought to the role,” said Professor Paul Lunn, chair of trustees at The Donkey Sanctuary.

“We are enormously grateful for what she has built, and we are confident in the strength and continuity of the leadership team she leaves behind.”

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary.

Related content from Your Horse