Index on Censorship Chief Executive John Kampfner will be stepping down this spring, after Index’s annual awards ceremony at the end of March. His announcement brings to an end a three-and-a-half year tenure that has seen Index become one of the world’s leading free expression advocacy organisations.

John will be working with Google as a part-time consultant on free expression and cultural issues and with the Global Network Initiative from 1 February, as well as undertaking various journalism and book-writing ventures.

Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of Index on Censorship, said: “I’m very sad to see John depart. He has transformed Index’s profile and practices, turning it into the ‘go to’ destination for anyone interested in free expression and censorship questions in the UK and around the world. His successor will have a great opportunity to build on those achievements. I am delighted that John wishes to be involved with our work in other ways in future.”

John Kampfner said: “It’s been a fantastic privilege to run an organisation of such passion and stature. I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done to transform English libel law, our strong editorial work and our campaigns for freedom of expression around the world. I said originally that I wanted to help take Index to a new level, which I believe has been achieved. I pay tribute to the dedication of our staff and trustees and wish them all success in the future.”

The advertisement for a new Chief Executive will appear on www.indexoncensorship.org and in the Guardian from Monday 9 January.