The Mothers' Union today revealed the appointment of their new Chief Executive, Reg Bailey. Bailey is the first man to have held this post in the Mothers' Union's 120-year history, and his appointment marks a significant moment for the organisation as they adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the new millennium.

Amongst Bailey's tasks will be the co-ordination of the work which will take the Mothers' Union world wide together with its one million members across 54 countries into the next century. Bailey will also help shape its role on the global stage as an organisation committed to advocacy and change.

Bailey comments, "I'm looking forward to joining the challenge of taking the Mothers' Union into the next millennium. I'm fully committed to the family values which the Society promotes internationally. My vision for the future is to build upon the successful and empowering work that the Mothers' Union is engaged in world-wide, whilst ensuring that we continue to have a relevant place in contemporary society."

The Mothers' Union is a world-wide organisation with a strong commitment to social issues in the UK and throughout the developing world. It has championed family issues throughout its 120-year history, and Bailey will be building on these roots, keeping an eye on the past and looking to the future.

Bailey will be involved in a vast array of activities in the UK such as helping young parents, families in distress and encouraging positive parenting.

The Mothers' Union has a unique network of indigenous members in developing countries actively working to improve the conditions of family life. Members campaign to provide relief and development whilst advocating change on issues such as global finance and debt relief.

Bailey was appointed by the 22 strong female leadership team. Christine Eames, World-Wide President of the Mothers' Union announcing the appointment said, "Reg will be bringing his considerable leadership experience and expertise of managing dynamic and successful organisations. The Mothers' Union is committed to equality of opportunity for men and women as we aim to take the values of Christian family life into the next millennium. Our belief in the nurturing of the next generation and working in our communities demands the skills of all who support our aims. As a woman's organisation we recognise that family life is not just a woman's issue."

Reg Bailey has wide experience of the UK and international corporate sector, combined with support of the issues to which the Mothers' Union is committed. He is aged 49, married and the father of two.