Archived press release

Foe announces new management team

8 February 2001

Friends of the Earth (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) announced today that Policy and Campaigns Director Tony Juniper will take up the post of Director Designate of FOE EWNI from October this year, after his return from a period of extended leave. Executive Director Charles Secrett has decided that he wishes to step down as Director in April 2003, when he will have completed ten years in post.

The Boards of FOE Ltd and Trust have been concerned to ensure both the continuity and effectiveness of FOE's work. Internationally, FOE is now the largest environment network in the world, with groups in 68 countries. FOE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland now has 220 active local groups and more than one hundred thousand financial supporters. It is widely seen as one of the most effective campaigning NGOs in the country, leading major international campaigns on genetically modified food, climate change and globalisation.

Sam Clarke, Chair of the Board of FOE Ltd said today:
“We've taken this decision to ensure the continuing success of FOE when Charles completes his period of service as Director. We've looked carefully at all the alternatives and we decided with Charles and Tony's full support that this was the best way to keep the services of these two exceptional people, who have already done so much to develop the environment movement in Britain. Charles and Tony have always worked closely together to strengthen FOE, and they will now be able to ensure a smooth and effective handover.”

Executive Director Charles Secrett commented:
“Being the Executive Director of FOE is a fantastic job. I enjoy it enormously but I made it clear to the Board when I first took up the job that I thought it would be right to step aside after about ten years. I'm delighted that Tony will be taking over when that time is up. He is a brilliant campaigner and will lead FOE from strength to strength. He is also a good friend, and I am looking forward very much to working with him in his new post as Director Designate.”

Tony Juniper added:
“I believe that FOE is the most dynamic and interesting of all the environment organisations in this country, as well as being the best environmental campaign group. Under Charles'leadership, it has achieved a unique combination of hard factual research, campaigning edge and political intelligence. I hope to build on his remarkable achievement. The chance to lead FOE is the dream of my life. For me, nothing else in the NGO sector in Britain begins to compare with this opportunity.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust