LONDON - Top UN executive Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen has been appointed as the new CEO of Plan International.
Ms. Albrectsen is currently the UN Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director for Management at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She replaces the current Plan International CEO Nigel Chapman and will assume office on September 1st.
A renowned face in the sector, Ms. Albrectsen has worked for over 25 years in international development, human rights, change management, and diplomacy. She has held senior leadership positions in times of significant change in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Danish Government, and most recently at the UNFPA.
Ms. Albrectsen is Danish and holds a law degree from the University of Copenhagen. She has a strong background in development and humanitarian work. She served with the UNDP from 1997 to 2004, in Indonesia, and later as Director of the Administrator’s Office at UNDP Headquarters. She led country operations for UNFPA in Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan from 2004-2006. From 2007-2009, she led the Danish government’s humanitarian and civil society affairs work as the Director of the relevant division in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Albrectsen’s appointment comes after an extensive global search and has the unanimous support of the organization’s International Board. It has been ratified by the Members Assembly - the highest decision-making body in Plan International.
Welcoming the appointment, Josh Liswood, Chair of Plan International’s Members’ Assembly and International Board said: “I have no doubt that Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen is extremely well-qualified to lead Plan International in the development and execution of a new strategy at a time of considerable change in the world and in our sector. She has the skills and international experience to build strong bonds across the Federation so that we can maximize the impact of our vital work for children and communities in the poorest countries of the globe.
“We have appointed an outstanding candidate who is at ease operating at the highest levels of international development as well as at the country level where so much of the day to day work of Plan International changes children’s lives.”
Ms. Albrectsen said: “I am thrilled about the new role and delighted to accept it. I look forward to serving Plan International’s global beneficiaries as well as the dedicated staff, volunteers, and sponsors. Every child and young person – including the most vulnerable – has enormous potential. Investing in their rights and engaging them in decision-making is investing in a better future for us all.”
Ms. Albrectsen will be moving to the UK, where Plan International’s headquarters is based, over the summer with her husband. Their grown up daughters live in the U.S., Spain, and Denmark.
Mr. Liswood paid tribute to the outgoing CEO Mr. Chapman, former Director of the BBC World Service, saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel for his commitment to Plan International since 2002, firstly as Chair of Plan UK until 2008, and for his leadership of Plan International since 2009. Over the past six years, Plan International has grown considerably in stature and reputation as an effective champion of child rights. He will leave Plan International at the end of August with our heartfelt appreciation for the positive changes he has brought about across the Federation.”
Plan International is an independent global development organization committed to enabling vulnerable and marginalized children to be free of poverty. By actively connecting committed people with powerful ideas, Plan works to make positive, deep-rooted, and lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. For over 78 years, Plan International has supported girls and boys and their communities around the world to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to claim their rights, free themselves from poverty, and live positive and fulfilling lives.
Plan implements programs in 51 developing countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and raises funds in 21 countries.
About Plan International USA
Plan International USA is part of the Plan International Federation, a global organization that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water and health care programs to education projects and child protection initiatives. For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.