The Revd. Andrew Wright is appointed Secretary General at The Mission to Seafarers from February 2013.
Robert Woods CBE, Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers said: "We are delighted that Andrew has agreed to join us and his appointment is crucial to the future success of The Mission to Seafarers."
"Andrew has particularly impressed us with his great ability to speak with clarity, purpose and good humour. He has developed considerable insights into seafaring issues and has built strong personal relationships across the maritime charity sector."
"He understands that at the heart of good leadership lie high levels of engagement, a clear vision and an ability to communicate that vision effectively. He will provide the essential inspirational, strategic leadership to our mission chaplaincy teams which offer welfare support in 258 ports in 71 countries around the world, and oversee our international HQ in London."
The Revd Andrew Wright said: "Seafaring remains a very dangerous and exposed occupation. It brings long, long periods of absence from family. Welfare issues can too often be hidden by inaccessibility and the vastness of the seas. Crews once held so high in public esteem and imagination are now largely forgotten. I am determined to raise the profile of the Mission’s vital work, and to champion the welfare of the men and women that crew the merchant fleet as my driving priority."