Welcome to our new CEO

Early in 2021 we waved goodbye and good luck to CEO Jane Smith who has recently retired and said hello and welcome to our new Chief Executive, Joanne Byrne. Having most recently been Interim CEO of Metabolic Support UK, Joanne has a wealth of knowledge, compassion and understanding for conditions and health challenges of many types. She is especially passionate about supporting those experiencing conditions that may not always get the acknowledgement and awareness they deserve. 

We asked Joanne to share some thoughts after her first few weeks in post. We'll be speaking with Joanne in more depth soon to find out a little more about her, and what her vision and hopes for the future of EDA are. But for now, let's give her a chance to get settled in!

“It is an honour to be writing to you, as the new Chief Executive of Anorexia and Bulimia Care. I am sure you all agree that EDA is a very special charity, and I would like to thank Jane Smith for her incredible dedication over the last seventeen years. 

As we all navigate another year of restrictions and uncertainty, the demand for our services is increasing. Together with our small, but highly experienced team, I am committed to continuing the crucial work of the charity, ensuring that anyone living with, or caring for someone with, an eating disorder feels supported and empowered to believe that recovery is possible. 

My vision is for EDA to be a strong and sustainable charity delivering the very best support services, education and training, and championing advances in the care of eating disorders in the UK. I will share updates in the near future, and there will be opportunities for your own experiences to help shape our future plans.”

Our thanks and best wishes to Jane on her retirement

As EDA's CEO since 2008, Jane’s tireless personal and professional commitment stemmed initially from the experience of caring for two of her daughters during their experience of diagnosis, treatment and recovery from severe Anorexia.

It's fair to say that she achieved so much for us and has personally reflected on just a few of those things here, in something she wrote to mark her retirement. Naturally, we wish to pay tribute to all that Jane achieved during more than seventeen years working in and volunteering for the organisation, and to thank her for her dedication, commitment and leadership. We wish her a very happy retirement!

Jane is pictured on the right at an awareness event held at the House of Commons.