Smee joins UK Youth from social innovation organisation Young Foundation, where she spent two years as director of ventures.
She will take over from interim chief executive Dominic Cotton, who stepped up from his role of director of communications after former chief executive Charlotte Hill left in April to lead social action campaign Step Up To Serve.
Before joining the Young Foundation, Smee was managing director of Hundred Consulting, where she worked with private equity companies and venture capitalists.
Commenting on her appointment, she said: “UK Youth is an inspiring organisation that gives young people across the UK a voice.
“I look forward to working with the team to tackle the issues that matter most to young people.”
Anne Stoneham, chair of UK Youth, said she is excited by the appointment.
She said: “Anna has the expertise, drive and enthusiasm to provide exciting new leadership and take UK Youth forward so that we can continue to maximise the impact we have on the lives of young people.
“We are all very much looking forward to working with her.”
Smee will take up her post on 1 December.
Cotton is set to leave UK Youth in October to become director of communications and public policy at Step Up To Serve.
UK Youth’s senior leadership will then take care of the charity until Smee joins the organisation.
