The Mission to Seafarers announces new Secretary General

The Mission to Seafarers has announced that its new Secretary General will be Peter Rouch. Peter will succeed Andrew Wright, who will retire from the role in September this year, after almost twelve years of leading the organisation.

Peter Rouch has been appointed to the role by the Board of The Mission to Seafarers after a thorough search process. He will join the Mission on 1st July, enabling a period of handover between himself and Andrew.

Commenting on Peter’s appointment and the change in leadership later this year, Tom Boardley, Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers, said: "We are delighted that Peter is joining the Mission and look forward to welcoming him in July. Our current Secretary General, Andrew Wright, has done so much to develop and transform the Mission during his tenure and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his leadership for more than a decade. We are confident that Peter will maintain this momentum and build on our vital role as a leading provider of maritime welfare support for seafarers around the globe."

Speaking on his appointment as the Mission’s next Secretary General, Venerable Dr Peter Rouch said: “I am very grateful indeed to have been invited to become Secretary General of The Mission to Seafarers. It is a charity with considerable heritage, a strong track record of valuable impact, breadth and depth in representation, and very exciting possibilities to develop support for the world’s seafarers and their frequently struggling families in a dynamic and sometimes risky world.”

Revd. Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers, commented: “It has been the greatest of honours to serve as Secretary General of the Mission to Seafarers through a time of so much challenge and change. I was delighted to learn of Peter’s appointment as my successor. He brings huge experience and a strong reputation. I am certain the Mission’s leadership will be in the very best of hands in the exciting times that lie ahead.”

Peter Rouch spent nearly a decade with Barclays Bank, ending up as an Assistant Director of Finance and Strategic Planning. He trained for ordination in the Church of England followed by curacy in London, a Research Fellowship, a Chaplaincy role at Oxford University, and time as vicar of two parishes in an area of Manchester. Peter moved to Hampshire, UK as an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Winchester, and nearly 10 years later as a consultant to Lambeth Palace. He now lives and works in Sheffield, UK where he has been CEO of Church Army UK & Ireland.