War Child Alliance Foundation announces new Chief Executive Officer

Laura will take over from Rob Williams who is stepping down after two years as CEO and fourteen years within the War Child network, a period in which he helped War Child to grow, to come together in an Alliance and to now stand at the forefront of Child Rights organisations, rooted in its commitment to support children affected by conflict.

Laura is well known to War Child having worked with us since 2007 and joins as Interim CEO from her position as Director of Programme Quality and Scaling.

Laura said, “It’s a privilege and an honour to be guiding the organisation through this next chapter, as we sharpen our position as a global thought leader, and focus on our commitments to localisation, partnerships, and making the greatest impact possible for children affected by conflict around the world.”

“I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for Rob. He has been not only a mentor, but also a principled leader who is leaving War Child Alliance Foundation with a clear strategy that is not only partner-led, but which places child protection at its heart.”

Hans van der Noordaa, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are delighted that Laura has agreed to take over as interim CEO. Laura is a deeply respected member of the War Child team who has served in many different positions in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Palestine, Jordan, and the Netherlands since she joined as a Child Protection Adviser. She is known and trusted throughout our network, and we are grateful to her for taking up the task of guiding us through our current organisational changes and into the new future outlined in our strategy.

“The Board wants to express our deep appreciation for everything that Rob has done as CEO. Rob’s passion and leadership have made an immense contribution to the War Child Alliance Foundation in its formative years.

Rob Williams moves to become the new Executive Director of Children in Conflict, the USA member of the War Child Alliance. Rob Williams commented ‘I am delighted to have a chance to mobilise support for children affected by conflict in the United States and to grow CiC's contribution to the War Child Alliance. Any truly global movement needs a strong community of support worldwide. I know that many Americans will immediately see how their values align with ours, including the importance of protecting the most vulnerable people in a war zone.

Kim McCall will be moving on from her role as Executive Director of Children in Conflict. Kim has led our American member for two years navigating a pathway through the polarised politics and turmoil of current times. The CiC board are grateful to Kim for everything she has brought to CiC and to the Alliance.

The Board, on behalf of the entire War Child Alliance Foundation, wishes Laura the very best of luck in her new role.

A recruitment process to secure a permanent replacement for Rob Williams as Chief Executive Officer will take place in the coming months.