Christian Aid has appointed Patrick Watt as its chief executive on a permanent basis, following a spell as interim CEO.
Watt joined Christian Aid in 2019 as director of policy, public affairs and campaigns. He became interim CEO when Amanda Khozi Mukwashi left to join the United Nations.
Before joining Christian Aid, Watt worked for Oxfam, Action Aid and Save the Children on a range of issues.
Lord Bishop John Sentamu, chair of Christian Aid, said: “Patrick has proven himself as a leader for both Christian Aid and the international development sector as a whole.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Patrick and everyone at Christian Aid in our mission to turn hunger into hope and eradicate extreme poverty across the globe.”
‘Taking fresh approaches’
Christian Aid had an income of £86m for the financial year to March 2021, down from over £100m prior to the pandemic.
Earlier this month the charity unveiled a new brand campaign to raise its profile and demonstrate its relevance.
Today Watt said his priority would be to look at new ways to address poverty.
He said: “I feel enormously privileged to be given the opportunity to lead this great organisation on the next stage of its journey, in tackling the root causes of poverty and promoting dignity, equality, and justice. I look forward to working with our passionate and dedicated staff, supporters, partners, and sponsoring churches to realise our vision.
“We’re confronted by stark challenges: the economic fallout from Covid-19, the climate crisis, and the war in Ukraine are combining to push millions of people into poverty.
“Ending the injustice of extreme poverty requires fresh approaches that tackle inequality, strengthen people’s voice and confront abuses of power. I am excited by the opportunity to work as part of a wider movement for change.”
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