The Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has appointed a new executive director.

Louise Wakefield, a former executive director of the St George’s Foundation, director of advancement at Bermuda High School for Girls and most recently chief innovation officer at Bermuda Commercial Bank Ltd, took up the post this month.

“I am excited to take on the role of the executive director and continue the great work that the previous SPCA executive directors have done and to work alongside the dedicated staff,” she said.

“Animals play such an important part of society and deserve our care, kindness and compassion. I look forward to collaborating with the board, the staff, the volunteers and all our stakeholders to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

A statement from the charity said Ms Wakefield will take on the leadership, transformational and strategic responsibilities to “help strengthen and grow the SPCA to meet its primary objectives, which is to encourage and promote kindness and compassion to animals through awareness, education and to provide effective, lawful means for the prevention of cruelty to all animals”.

Sarah Haycock Tafur, the SPCA board president, added: “We’re confident that Ms Wakefield can guide this charity into the future to meet the needs of its primary beneficiaries, the animals and Bermuda’s community, by providing increased educational and awareness programmes to encourage a more compassionate society.

“I can think of no one better than Ms Wakefield to lead the SPCA and we are thrilled to have her join the organisation.”