The Royal National Lifeboat Institution today announces the appointment of its new chief executive when the current CEO Andrew Freemantle retires this Autumn – Paul Boissier will be taking the helm at the lifeboat charity in September.

The appointment has been made following stiff competition for one of the charity sector’s most rewarding and prestigious jobs. Paul Boissier, who recently retired from the Royal Navy, says of his appointment:’It is one of the country’s most valued and respected charities, doing a uniquely challenging job – and consistently performing to the highest standards.’

Mr Boissier will take up the role of chief executive at the RNLI on 24 September 2009, when Andrew Freemantle retires after more than ten years’ service.

Mr Boissier joined the Royal Navy, where he specialised in navigation and served in a variety of submarines during the Cold War. He later moved across to the surface fleet as captain of the anti-submarine frigate,HMS Chatham.

With his wife Susie he has sailed extensively around northern Europe and the Mediterranean in their sailing boat,Snow Goose. He has also written cruising articles forYachting Monthlyand a book on the maritime rules of the road. For three years he was the Commodore of the Royal Naval Sailing Association and is a Younger Brother of Trinity House.