The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has today (29.09.26) announced the appointment of Nina Arwitz as its new chief executive officer (CEO), where she will officially take up the role in November.
Nina joins the NSPCA from Volunteer Ireland, where she served as its CEO for the past 12 years, having joined shortly after the organisation had been formed through the merger of Volunteer Centres Ireland and Volunteering Ireland. Before this, she was a programme advisor at UK equine welfare charity Brooke, where she led its programmes in the Middle East and Latin America.
Nina also previously held senior roles at UK-based charities, Campaign for National Parks and London Wildlife Trust. Earlier in her career she worked on not-for-profit environmental projects in Kenya and Syria.
Passionate about animal welfare having grown up with adopted animals, Nina is originally from Sweden and has been living in Dublin for over ten years.
Speaking about her new appointment, Nina Arwitz said: “This is such an exciting time to join the NSPCA, as we strengthen our role as the national voice for animals. With important developments in animal welfare policy at home, and Ireland’s EU Presidency offering a chance to influence progress at European level, there is real scope to drive lasting change — from reforming dog breeding legislation to the protection of animals during transport. I’m so looking forward to working with the whole team of staff, volunteers and supporters, to drive the NSPCA’s development and ultimately improve the welfare of even more animals across Ireland.”
Welcoming Nina Arwitz to the national animal charity, chairperson of the Board of NSPCA Paul Connell said: “Nina joins the NSPCA at an exciting time in our development, following our formation in October last year from the merger between the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and as we continue to action the priorities set out in our inaugural 2026-2030 Strategy.
“As a seasoned charity leader, we are excited about the wealth of experience that Nina is bringing to the NSPCA. Alongside this, her professional experience in animal welfare has given her first-hand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges involved in animal welfare work. This puts her in a perfect position to shape and deliver the NSPCA’s strategy, drive the organisation forward and advance our work to achieve our vision for an Ireland where animals are protected from cruelty, where strong laws and enforcement safeguard their welfare, and where people understand and value the responsibility of caring for animals.”
Nina Arwitz takes up the role of NSPCA CEO from previous incumbent Pat Watt, who is now CEO of The Wheel.
