Former RSPCA chair René Olivieri has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours list.
Olivieri served for four years as chair of the organisation, stepping down last year. During his tenure, he oversaw the board of trustees through the pandemic, then the ongoing cost of living crisis, and is continuing as the vice chair and a trustee of RSPCA Assured under the new chair, Claire Horton CBE.
Olivieri has a particular interest in the welfare of farmed animals and was a founder of the Farm Animal Welfare Forum. He has also chaired and been a member on the boards of professional and charitable organisations across the arts, wildlife trusts, publishing and academia and is currently acting chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “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.
“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.”
