Oxfam Chief Executive to step down

Oxfam Great Britain has today announced that Mark Goldring will stand down as Chief Executive at the end of this year.

Goldring rejoined Oxfam in 2013, having previously worked for the organisation in the 1990s as Bangladesh country director. In 2016, he oversaw the biggest annual humanitarian response in its history, encompassing the refugee crisis as well as conflicts including Yemen, Syria and South Sudan. During his five years in post he has also overseen the growth of Oxfam’s work tackling poverty and its root causes and ensured Oxfam improved its safeguarding practices following sexual abuse by former staff in Haiti in 2011.

Announcing his decision, Goldring said: “I have loved and felt privileged to do my job over the last five years. Oxfam has achieved much in that time – bringing humanitarian assistance and new opportunities to millions of people in some of the hardest places on the planet, shining a spotlight on the barriers that trap people in poverty and holding those in power to account for decisions that affect the world’s poorest people. I am proud to have played a part in that, but I think the time is coming for a new leader.

“Following the very public exposure of Oxfam’s past failings, we have redoubled our efforts to ensure that Oxfam is a safe and respectful place for all who have contact with us. We are now laying strong foundations for recovery. I am personally totally committed to seeing this phase through.

“However, what is important in 2019 and beyond is that Oxfam rebuilds and renews in a way that is most relevant for the future and so continues to help as many people as possible around the world build better lives. I think that this journey will best be led by someone bringing fresh vision and energy and making a long-term commitment to see it through.”

Caroline Thomson, Chair of Oxfam, said: “It is with great sadness and with thanks for his dedication and leadership that I accepted Mark’s decision to stand down.

“Having led Oxfam successfully for five years, working with millions of people to help them escape poverty, building the international Oxfam confederation, and raising record levels of income, Mark faced the test of a lifetime managing the crisis which hit us in February and related to events before he joined. He rose to the immense challenge and his leadership has been invaluable through it. It is testament to his integrity and humility that Mark will see through the next few difficult months.

“When I took over as chair, Oxfam had just celebrated its 75th birthday. It is a great institution, representing the best of British values and with a great history behind it. Mark’s decision today is in keeping with his work over the last five years. His top priority has always been to ensure that Oxfam has a great future, focused on the people we are here to serve, helping them to escape the dirty water, hunger and other daily realities of life in poverty now and for good.”

Goldring will continue to lead Oxfam GB until a successor is recruited and in post.

Links

https://www.oxfam.org.uk

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