Following the announcement that the leader of Action on Smoking and Health Deborah Arnott is set to retire in September, the organisation’s deputy leader and policy director Hazel Cheeseman has been appointed to replace her from the 1st of October this year, fulfilling the predictions that were made. Deborah Arnott became leader of ASH in 2003 and led the organisation for 21 years. In February it was announced that she will retire this September.
Hazel Cheeseman has worked across health and social care policy in the UK and abroad. She currently leads ASH’s policy development work. With a background in health and housing policy Hazel Cheeseman has particular expertise in local government and the delivery at a local level. In addition to her policy role Hazel Cheeseman coordinates the Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group and the Mental Health and Smoking Partnership.
Hazel Cheeseman said upon being selected to lead ASH that “This is an incredibly exciting time to take up the helm at ASH. Deborah’s achievements over the last two decades have been extraordinary and with the continued progress of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill we are on track to be the first country in the world to phase out the sale of tobacco. The question for the coming years will not be if we can become a smoke-free country but just how quickly this can be achieved”.
Deborah Arnott who will retire by the end of September said that “The future of ASH is in safe hands. Hazel is very well connected and greatly respected in the health community, with all the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to lead the organisation. Having worked closely with her for over 10 years I know that she will be an excellent chief executive, and more than that will be an innovative public health leader, breaking new ground for ASH and accelerating progress towards a smokefree future.”.
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