Oxfam’s chief executive Danny Sriskandarajah is leaving the international development charity to take the same role at the New Economics Foundation (NEF).

He leaves after five years at Oxfam. At NEF he will replace Miatta Fahnbulleh, who is leaving as she intends to stand as the Labour Party’s candidate for Camberwell and Peckham at the next general election.

Sriskandarajah, who will be joining NEF in January next year said he feels “privileged” to have been part of Oxfam for the last five years.

He added he has “long admired” the work around the living wage, debt relief and ethical trade of NEF, which labels itself a “progressive think tank”.

“Our economic system is driving inequality and insecurity, and the green transition is too slow.” said Sriskandarajah, who is also a former secretary general of civil society alliance CIVICUS and CEO of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

“Progress on both requires both bold ideas and reimagining democratic participation. NEF’s instinct of trying to ground solutions through organising with communities to co-create solutions feels more relevant than ever.

“I am excited to lead NEF through its next phase as it helps deliver a more equitable and sustainable economy that works for people and our planet.”

In Jan 2024, I will be moving on to become Chief Exec of @NEF. I feel privileged to have been part of @oxfamgb's journey over these last 5 years. @Oxfam is an amazing manifestation of civil society at its best – taking action to fight poverty, tackling injustice & shifting power

— Danny Sriskandarajah (@dhnnjyn) June 15, 2023

Sriskandarajah is also a former deputy director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, leading on its migration and inequalities work.

NEF chair Bob Kerslake said: “We are delighted to appoint Danny after an extensive search, to replace our outgoing and brilliant chief exec, Miatta Fahnbulleh. Danny is a values-driven leader, who brings a commitment to helping us realise NEF’s vision of making Britain a more equal, just and sustainable country through growing a progressive economy that puts people at the centre.

“Danny brings a wealth of experience of leading, shaping and raising the profile of national and international organisations – and most importantly he brings a personal commitment and energy to changing Britain and the world for the better.

“I would personally like to thank Miatta for her exceptional and visionary leadership over the last five years at NEF.”

Sriskandarajah joined Oxfam as the charity was tackling the aftermath of a public outcry over a sexual misconduct scandal involving its staff in Haiti and Chad and subsequent attempts to cover it up.

He told Charity Times three years ago that he landed the top role at Oxfam after telling trustees “you’ve clearly let yourself down”.

While speaking at Charity Time’s Leadership Conference the same year he urged charities to stop their “obsession with brand” and “smothering” social justice campaigns with logos and objectives.

In 2021 Oxfam sacked three members of staff following an investigation into allegations of abuse of power in its operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“I apologise to everyone who has been hurt by these abuses of power and I hope the action we have taken demonstrates our resolve to tackle all forms of misconduct,” said Sriskandarajah at the time.

Share Story: