The chief executive of the charity connected to The Guardian newspaper is to step down after six years in the role.

The Guardian Foundation, which develops media literacy skills among young people, champions diverse voices and supports at-risk independent media, said Kelly Walls would leave the charity at the end of August to pursue new challenges.

The charity said Walls believed it was the right moment for her to step down as it began the development of its next strategic phase.

It said she had led the growth of the foundation’s news and media literacy work with schools and in communities in the UK and in Europe, and overseen the implementation of a new strategy designed to meet the needs of educators, news organisations and young people in a time of increasing disinformation and global threats to press freedom.

Walls said it had been “an incredible privilege” to lead the foundation.

“With such a talented and dedicated team, a generous and supportive board and a mission that is so important, this was a particularly difficult decision, but the right one for me personally and for the foundation.

“I look forward to exploring what comes next for me, and in the meantime, I am committed to working closely with the board to ensure a smooth transition.”

Keith Magee, chair of The Guardian Foundation, thanked Walls for her “outstanding leadership, dedication and passion over the past six years”.

He said: “Her commitment has been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s impact, from expanding news and media literacy programmes to strengthening support for aspiring journalists worldwide.

“Under her leadership, we have grown stronger, more resilient and more determined in our mission.

“As we embark on this next chapter, we do so with confidence, knowing that the foundation Kelly has built will propel us forward.”

The charity said it had begun the appointment process for Walls’ successor.