RSPCA congratulates René Olivieri on New Year Honour

Quote from Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA

"I am delighted to congratulate René on the news of this wonderful achievement - what an honour to be recognised for services to charity.

"To be awarded CBE is an outstanding accolade, marking decades of dedication to improving animal welfare, as well as his commitment to nature and heritage. The animal world is undoubtedly better off thanks to his commitment.

"René will step down as RSPCA chair at the end of 2023 after four years, and continues to be a trustee and vice chair of RSPCA Assured. During his tenure as chair, René steered us through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, oversaw a period of significant modernisation and change, and presided over our new, ambitious ten-year strategy, Together for Animal Welfare."