CHRISTIAN AID has appointed its director of policy, public affairs, and campaigns, and interim chief executive, Patrick Watt, as its chief executive.

Mr Watt joined Christian Aid in 2019, leading its influencing, evidence, and mobilisation strategy in the UK and internationally on issues including economic and climate justice. He has been interim chief executive since Amanda Khozi Mukwashi stepped down last October to join the United Nations, where she is now its Resident Coordinator in Lesotho (News, 29 October 2021).

Before joining Christian Aid, Mr Watt held positions in Oxfam, ActionAid, and Save the Children, working with the Government, UN, European Union, and African Union on education, global health, aid policy, and debt and trade. He holds degrees in theology, from the University of Cambridge, and in development studies from the London School of Economics.

Speaking after his appointment last Friday, Mr Watt said that he looked forward to “tackling the root causes of poverty and promoting dignity, equality, and justice”. He continued: “We’re confronted by stark challenges: the economic fallout from Covid-19, the climate crisis, and the war in Ukraine are combining to push millions of people into poverty.

“Ending the injustice of extreme poverty requires fresh approaches that tackle inequality, strengthen people’s voice, and confront abuses of power. I am excited by the opportunity to work as part of a wider movement for change.”

The former Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, who chairs Christian Aid, said: “Patrick has proven himself as a leader for both Christian Aid and the international development sector as a whole.”