Ms Crane, who will go by the title of chief executive, previously worked as an international development consultant, advising British, European and international non-government organisations (NGOs).
Prior to this she was executive director of International Family Health, an NGO working in the field of sexual and reproductive health, which she set up and ran for 14 years.
Ms Crane said, 'I am thrilled to be joining Daycare Trust. I look forward to building on the organisation's considerable achievements and bringing us closer to the vision of universally affordable, high-quality childcare services.'
Daycare Trust chair Lisa Harker said that Ms Crane would be a 'great asset'
to the organisation. 'Her excellent management and leadership skills and strong drive and energy will be critical in delivering our strategic plans for the future,' she said.
Ms Crane will take up the post on 23 May.
