The Law Society has announced that it has appointed Catherine Dixon to be its new chief executive replacing Des Hudson who retires at the end of this month.

Catherine Dixon was brought up in Yorkshire, and then qualified as a solicitor, having gained a law degree and completed her Law Society Finals at the College of Law in York. She also has an MBA and is an accredited mediator.

Catherine started her career in private practice, including working at Eversheds. She then joined Bupa, as the head of legal and subsequently as the commercial director of Bupa Care Services. Catherine left Bupa to spend a few years in Vancouver, Canada, initially out of the office as an instructor for Outward Bound and then as a director at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

Returning to the UK, Catherine joined the NSPCC as its general counsel and company secretary. She became the chief executive of the NHS Litigation Authority which indemnifies the NHS against legal claims and supports learning and improved patient safety across the NHS, in April 2012. Catherine is also a trustee for the PDSA which provides care to animals whose owners cannot afford to pay.

Catherine Dixon will join the Law Society in January 2015. Interim arrangements are being made and will be announced shortly.