Ben Jackson has departed from the chief executive role at international aid infrastructure body Bond, with effect from last week.

Jackson announced his departure in September, after four and a half years at the helm. He has taken up a new role as global director of innovations and partnerships at the charity United Purpose, which today announced a merger and rebrand.

Recruitment is under way for Jackson’s successor. Graham Mackay, chief operating officer, will lead the charity in the interim. A full-time replacement is expected in March or April next year.

Jackson said it was the right time to leave the charity after launching a new long-term strategy.

“This seemed the time to move on so that my successor can build up the relationships that will be needed to steer the organisation through its next phase of life and to engage with the new government,” he said.

“It has been a huge privilege to serve Bond’s amazing, diverse members by helping them work better together for global justice in challenging times.”

Tim Wainwright, chair of Bond, said: “Ben leaves Bond a larger, more vibrant network for global change. Under his leadership Bond has extended its role, reach and impact for members through his passionate leadership for international development.

“He and the Bond team have catalysed coalitions on a whole range of  areas such as securing the 0.7 per cent Aid Act, influencing funding policies of key donors, and driving up standards of effectiveness and innovation across the sector – both in the UK and through helping build our civil society networks across the world.”