The sanitation charity WaterAid International has appointed Andrew McCracken as its next global director.
McCracken, who has spent the past six years as chief executive of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, was previously global fundraising director at the development charity Tearfund.
He succeeds Ken Caldwell, who retired in April.
McCracken is a board member of Oxfam Ireland and chair of the voluntary sector leaders body CO3.
WaterAid International’s registered office is in London but McCracken will remain based in Belfast when he takes up the new role in February.
Maureen O’Neill, chair of WaterAid international, said: “Andrew impressed us with his experience and grasp of the subtlety of this role, balancing relational intelligence, strategic intelligence and a depth of insight into the WaterAid federation.
“His dedication to development and social change will undoubtedly contribute to our success in achieving our goals, and we look forward to working with him to reach everyone, everywhere, with clean water by 2030.”
McCracken said he had long admired the charity’s efforts to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to everyone.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with members of WaterAid’s federation and help achieve their lifesaving work,” he said.
WaterAid International was formed in 2010 to help WaterAid charities across the world to work effectively together.
It has seven members, including the WaterAid organisations in the UK, Australia and US. Its responsibilities include overseeing global strategy and governance.