Harriet Lamb, the CEO of Fairtrade International who has held senior positions in Fairtrade for 16 years, has announced she is leaving to take up the role of CEO at International Alert, Europe’s largest peacebuilding organization.
Ms Lamb leaves on November 6 and begins her new job with International Alert on November 16.
“I am hugely excited by this opportunity,” said Harriet Lamb. “I have long taken the view that poverty, climate change and conflict are the three big issues of our time, and that all of them are closely connected. The current crisis facing so many people coming to Europe reminds us that peacebuilding and conflict resolution are more important than ever.”
“I am proud of all we are achieving at Fairtrade. It’s the world’s best known ethical trade system, the only one part-owned by producers and backed by an inspirational grassroots social movement. Now I am ready to take on new challenges, and I am confident Fairtrade will continue to grow and play an increasingly important role in helping to tackle the acute problems faced by the world’s small farmers and workers.”
Chair of the Fairtrade International board Marike de Peña said “Of course we are sad to see Harriet go, but we congratulate her on her appointment. She has been an inspirational leader for Fairtrade and I’m sure she will be a great success at International Alert. Now we will start the search for a dynamic new leader.”
Fairtrade International’s Executive Commercial Officer Martin Hill will take over as Interim CEO. Martin has served in senior positions in Fairtrade for the past nine years and previously worked as the Cooperative Group’s Chief Officer in the South East.
“We warmly welcome Harriet as International Alert’s new CEO” said Pierre Schori, the Chairman of International Alert’s Board. “Among other things, she brings the accumulated wisdom of many years successfully leading international organizations and developing mutually supportive relationships with governments, the private sector and other NGOs, as well as first-hand experience on the ground.”
