The Brooke - The Brooke announces new CEO

Leading overseas equine welfare charity, the Brooke, is pleased to announce the appointment of Petra Ingram as its new Chief Executive.

Petra, who took over from Mike Baker on 1 July 2009, will lead the charity towards its five year goal to improve the welfare of at least two million working horses, donkeys and mules in most need in the developing world.

On her nomination, Petra said,

“I am delighted to be taking up this role and will be building on the excellent work already developed by Mike. The Brooke is making a real difference, but there are many more animals to reach. I would like to see continued growth with greater impact over the next few years and will be working with our teams across the world to deliver this.

“I am committed to good animal welfare and have been involved with horses for most of my life. I have also spent the last five and half years working in international development which has helped me to understand the challenges people face in the world’s poorest communities. The chance to bring together my passion and experience, and lead the Brooke in its mission to improve the welfare of working horses and donkeys in the developing world, is a wonderful opportunity.”

Mike Baker’s departure marks the end of a very successful chapter for the Brooke. Under Mike’s leadership, the Brooke has grown from a small charity working in four countries to a worldwide organisation alleviating the suffering of more than 730,000 working animals in poor communities across ten countries. Income has quadrupled from £3 million in 2001 to almost £12 million and the Brooke now employs over 850 people worldwide.

Mike Baker added, “I am delighted to announce Petra Ingram as the Brooke’s new Chief Executive. This is an exciting time for the Brooke and I am confident that the charity will continue to go from strength to strength under her leadership. The Brooke has a strong team, a clear direction and our international operations are greatly respected within the animal welfare arena”.

Millions of horses, donkeys and mules toil in some of the toughest environments across the world. Via a network of mobile veterinary teams, field clinics and community animal health workers, the Brooke provides care and treatment in conjunction with training to help teach communities how to care for the animals on which their lives depend.