Major charity appoints first Black woman as CEO in its 41-year history

Children’s international development charity World Vision UK has appointed Fola Komolafe, who has held senior roles at firms including HSBC, IBM and Mazars, as its next chief executive.

The charity said that her appointment “holds special significance for World Vision UK” as “she is not only our first female CEO), but our first black female CEO”.

“I am so excited to be joining World Vision UK as their new CEO, a charity I have long supported and admired for their impact and commitment to the world’s most vulnerable children," said Komolafe.

“I had the privilege of seeing this first hand in Zambia recently and I was blown away by our integrated approach and the life changing impact it has had on children, their families and their communities.

"I feel extremely blessed and honoured to join an organisation uniquely identified by its rich Christian values and widespread global impact at a time when things are changing so quickly around us and becoming even more challenging for many people in lower income countries."

"I look forward with much anticipation to working with staff, supporters and partners in ensuring we keep our promise of overcoming poverty and bringing the fullness of life to the world’s most vulnerable children.”

Seven years ago Komolafe was awarded an MBE and is the co-founder of Fresh Inspiration, a charity that supports entrepreneurs. She is also a former vice chair of World Vision’s board.

She replaces Mark Sheard, who has been CEO at World Vision since February 2020.

During the CEO interview and selection process, I was delighted to understand the experience, expertise and passion that Fola will bring to leading World Vision UK as CEO,” said World Vision chair Douglas Millican.

"I, and the whole Board, look forward to working with Fola as CEO and supporting her and the entire team as they take forward our mission to serve vulnerable children across the world.”