Alderman is appointed to AOP chief exec role

Henrietta Alderman has been hired as the new chief executive of the Association of Optometrists.

She will take up the position in the summer and replaces Richard Carswell, who became interim chief executive following the sudden departure of former MP Bob Hughes from the role in November 2011.

Carswell had participated in the process of recruiting the new chief executive after Hughes left the organisation to pursue new career opportunities.

Alderman joins the AOP from the British Veterinary Association (BVA), where she has been secretary general since 2007. Other previous experience included work with the British Bobsleigh Association, the AOP said.

With an MBA from Henley Management School, during her time at the BVA she successfully led the organisation through change and believes that her actions should be focused by 'what is right for the membership', it added.