Set to leave organisation after taking up post in June

Halima Begum is quitting the post she has held for just six months at Action Aid to become Oxfam GB’s new chief executive.

Begum joined the interntaonal development charity in July this year as CEO after leaving the Runnymede Trust.

She will succeed Danny Sriskandarajah, who announced in June he would leave Oxfam later this month to become chief executive of the New Economics Foundation.

Begum said: “As I transition to my new role at Oxfam, I carry with me the invaluable experiences and lessons learned during my tenure at ActionAid.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the understanding and encouragement extended to me during this move.

“ActionAid will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am confident that the organisation will continue to thrive under its capable leadership.”

Action Aid’s acting chair, Rajiv Vyas, said: “We recognise that Halima’s departure is solely due to her decision to accept an opportunity with Oxfam that means so much to her, and this decision has our full support.

“Otherwise, Halima would have continued to lead ActionAid UK with the same empathy and commitment she has shown since joining the organisation.”

Charles Gurassa, chair of Oxfam GB, said: “Under Danny’s leadership, Oxfam has made great strides in re-establishing its reputation with the British public, delivering its life-changing work and advocacy through its global network of partners and transforming the way we work.

“I am thrilled we have found the right person to lead us on the next stage of that journey.”

Begum will join Oxfam in the new year with Aleema Shivji, Oxfam GB’s chief impact officer, acting as interim chief executive.