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Jo de Serrano is RedR UK’s new CEO

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Jo de Serrano OBE DUniv has been appointed as RedR UK’s new CEO. Prior to becoming CEO, Jo had been Acting CEO as well as Director of Programmes.

Jo has worked in international development for almost 20 years, working tirelessly to deliver the best emergency responses in the most pressing humanitarian crises.

Jo worked for DFID’s Chase Operations Team (CHASE OT), for 13 years, in humanitarian affairs and latterly as Senior Humanitarian Deployments Manager, for the deployment of surge capacity for humanitarian response, including engaging with the UN, INGOs and private sector organisations.

Jo is an expert in deployment surge mechanisms and is experienced in managing capacity building projects, recognising that human resources are the most important asset within any organisation.

Jo was awarded an OBE in 2016 for her work in global humanitarian emergency response and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Portsmouth in 2017 for her work in global humanitarian emergency response and international relations.

Our Chair of the Board of Trustees Geoff French is delighted: “We are excited to have someone of Jo’s calibre. Her great experience will shape the future of humanitarian capacity development across the world, in both humanitarian and private sectors.  She has already demonstrated passion and energy by leading RedR UK those last months.”

Jo is also thrilled: “I’ve known of RedR’s good work since undertaking the Essentials of Humanitarian Practice over 15 years ago and so being able to lead the organisation now and be at the forefront of building the capacity of local staff is truly amazing. I look forward to being able to change the face of response and contributing to responses that are as local as possible and as international as necessary.”

 

Jo de Serrano's OBE investiture in November 2016
Jo de Serrano's OBE investiture in November 2016