StepChange appoints Vikki Brownridge as new Chief Executive

Vikki Brownridge, currently Director of Operations at StepChange, will become the charity’s new CEO on 1 May 2023, taking over from Phil Andrew who leaves the charity after more than five years in post.

Vikki is the first woman to become Chief Executive of the charity and takes up the role after more than 17 years at StepChange, during which time she has risen through the ranks and worked in a number of senior roles including Director of Charity Development and most recently Director of Operations.

Vikki started her career with the charity as a debt advice centre manager and quickly moved onto Head of Debt Advice where she was instrumental in developing and launching the first online debt advice service and delivered significant efficiencies in the operation. She then moved onto Head of Strategic Relationships where she oversaw the management of the charity’s relationships with creditors, other charities and the Money and Pensions Service. She joined the executive team in 2018 as Director of Charity Development leading the charity’s business development strategy before moving to the Director of Operations role at the end of 2021. Prior to joining StepChange Vikki held a number of senior positions within contact centre operations working in financial services and outsourcing.

John Griffith-Jones, Chair of StepChange Debt Charity, said: “I am enormously pleased to announce Vikki as the new Chief Executive of StepChange. Over the past few months we’ve conducted an open and competitive search process to find the right candidate and I’m delighted that Vikki has emerged as the ideal person for the role. I know that the passion, knowledge and insight that Vikki brings will be invaluable to the charity over the coming years. The rest of the Board and I look forward to working with her in what is a hugely important time for the charity and the people that it helps.”

New CEO Vikki Brownridge said: “I am utterly thrilled to be the new Chief Executive of StepChange Debt Charity. It’s a real honour and such an exciting opportunity. I’ve been with the charity for more than 17 years and that is because of the amazing colleagues I get to work with every day and the fact that I passionately believe in the work the charity does and our vision to work towards a society free from problem debt. To be given the opportunity to lead the charity at such a critical time for those struggling with debt is an enormous privilege and I look forward to the challenge of ensuring the charity and our dedicated colleagues can continue to help as many people as possible while making the case for the change needed to reduce the harm caused by problem debt.”

Outgoing CEO Phil Andrew said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see Vikki appointed as StepChange’s next Chief Executive. I can say from experience that it is the honour of a lifetime to serve in the role and to lead such brilliant colleagues. I’m particularly pleased that Vikki has been appointed as the internal candidate, which I think shows how seriously we take nurturing and developing talent and future leaders. She could not be more deserving of this opportunity to lead the charity and I leave knowing it is in the best possible hands.”