National Animal Welfare Trust appoints director of operations

Rescue and rehoming charity National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has appointed Andrew Gillon as director of operations.

Andrew brings nearly two decades of experience in the animal welfare sector to the role, which will include overseeing the charity’s five rehoming centres.

He said: “The way rehoming works has completely changed since the pandemic started. Many of the public-facing elements of rehoming work are now taking place online. Charities are having to look at what that means for the future, and I think that this could be an exciting time for NAWT.”

Andrew joins NAWT from the Greyhound Trust, where he was head of operations and welfare, helping to rehome 3,500 greyhounds a year through its network of branches and volunteers.

He started his animal welfare career as a kennel manager for the Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He then moved to the Blue Cross, where he managed the charity’s Suffolk rehoming centre. Prior to joining the Greyhound Trust, Andrew developed and managed collaborative working relationships with top orthopaedic vets and eye specialists at the British Veterinary Association.

NAWT CEO Clare Williams said: “Andrew’s experience and dedication to the animal welfare sector will be of great benefit to the charity as we navigate these uncharted waters. We are delighted to have him join the team and help us develop a strategy for a sustainable future.”

In addition to his new role, Andrew sits on the Puppy Trade working group, part of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (SSPCA’s) “Say no to puppy dealers” campaign.