Sense International has named Kavita Prasad as its chief executive, after the charity restructured its leadership model.

Prasad, who has been the director of Sense International since 2022, has taken up the role with immediate effect.

The disability charity previously shared a chief executive with its parent organisation, Sense, but has reorganised its leadership structure to create a top job for the international arm.

The charity said that no other changes were made during the restructure.

The restructure followed the retirement of Sense’s former chief executive, Richard Kramer, and the subsequent appointment of James Watson-O’Neill, who will continue to lead Sense.

Sense International said that as the two charities had developed, the “distinct differences in the work of Sense International and Sense now merit distinct leadership, while remaining part of the Sense group and sharing the same values and vision”.

Prasad’s appointment as chief executive of Sense International “recognises the leadership that Kavita already gives the organisation, as well as her experience and expertise within the international disability and development sector”, the charity said.

She has “extensive experience” in the charity sector in various executive, technical, policy and programme roles within international organisations, the charity said.

Prasad has previously served as chief executive of DeafKidz International and SoundSeekers, having also been a disability adviser to the UN Palestine Refugee Agency.

She also sits on the board of the International Disability and Development Consortium.

Prasad said: “I am excited to lead the charity into this next phase, building on our 30 years of reach and impact, while continuing to work closely with our parent charity Sense to achieve our shared vision of a world where people with deafblindness have equal opportunities and are fully included in all aspects of life.”

Rex Shah, chair of Sense International, said: “In her time as director, Kavita has dealt skilfully with a number of challenges in the external environment, and we can see that the organisation is delivering enormous impact under her leadership. 

“Her commitment to disability equality is exemplary and I look forward to seeing her continue her excellent work.”

Watson-O’Neill said: “Kavita is an expert in the field of disability in international development and I believe she is well placed to drive the mission to reach and support people with deafblindness and disabled people with complex needs globally. 

“Our organisations will continue to work closely to support one another and share expertise, as we have done over the past 30 years.”