Justin Forsyth is to step down as CEO
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Justin Forsyth today announced he is leaving Save the Children in February after five successful years as CEO, during which time the charity has dramatically increased its impact for children around the world.
Mr Forsyth thanked staff, volunteers and supporters for all their commitment and passion and said the last five years had been an extraordinary journey which had achieved results for children that no one could have predicted.
Mr Forsyth said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead this organisation, but after five years I feel that it is the right time for me personally, but also the organisation as we embark on a new and exciting strategy.
“This is a decision I have thought about for some time, since the summer. It is one that I have taken with a mix of pride in what we have achieved and sadness at moving on from one of the best jobs in the world. My successor will have the chance to take the organisation to the next level, building on some very strong foundations and successes, that is a credit to everyone who works at the organisation.”
He highlighted that Save the Children has saved and protected millions of lives, doubling the number of children the organisation has reached while doubling its income and supporters. He said he was proud that Save had become more professional and effective and more focussed on impact for children.
He added: “When we look back over the last five years it is amazing how far we have come. We have transformed our work on the ground with children, establishing several world class signature programmes to increase the quality and impact of our work. We have done whatever it takes to run brave emergency responses from the Ebola Treatment centre in Kerry Town to our hospital in Syria that have saved so many lives.
“We have set up the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Emergency Health Unit. We have pioneered cutting edge partnerships with the private sector and others, delivered ground breaking popular campaigns - from No Child Born to Die, Read On Get On to Christmas Jumpers - and achieved major impact with reactive campaigns from Restart the Rescue to 0.7% to Syria and Gaza. We have built powerful coalitions from IF to action/2015. We have recruited and developed some amazing people and created a global organisation with global reach. I am proud to have played a role in helping lead these changes.”
During the coming months Mr Forsyth will work to ensure a clear and strong transition, and put in place the recruitment process for his successor. He will announce his plans for the future at a later date.