After seven years as Chief Executive of HelpAge International, Justin Derbyshire resigned from the organisation and will be leaving in August 2023.
Justin first joined HelpAge in 2014 as Director of Programmes and was appointed CEO two years later in 2016.
During his time at HelpAge, Justin has led a significant change in HelpAge’s way of working and strengthened the organisation’s core foundations, building on its recognised expertise in global ageing. He has navigated strategic shifts affecting the whole development sector, steered HelpAge’s responses to major crises, and consistently amplified the voices of older people in global policy development.
Justin led the creation of a new ten-year strategy 2030 through consultation with the whole HelpAge global network. This will continue to guide HelpAge’s work and is the foundation of its commitment towards championing locally led development.
Arun Maira, Chair of the HelpAge Board said of Justin’s departure:
“It has been my pleasure to work with Justin over the last almost-seven years in his role as Chief Executive Officer. His dedication, strategic thinking, calm leadership, and commitment to HelpAge and our mission to make this a better world to grow old in have been a constant source of inspiration.
Under his leadership we have grown the network, substantially evolved as an organisation, and continued to deliver significant impact for older people. We have forged stronger relationships with our supporting members and strategic partners, and built on our reputation. Justin leaves us with a robust foundation from which we can only get stronger.”
Commenting on his decision to stand down, Justin said:
“I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to lead HelpAge International. There have been challenging issues to address – like the impact of the COVID pandemic and its devastating impact on the lives of older people around the world. But it has been exceptionally rewarding to be a part of what HelpAge achieves for older people every day.
I know that I am leaving HelpAge in a good place, following a record year in terms of growth of the network, and income secured. We have a powerful strategy, a committed Board and staff team, and most importantly, the support and backing of our whole network in championing older people’s rights.”
The HelpAge Board have appointed the executive search firm Saxton Bampfylde to lead on the recruitment of the new CEO. The board will appoint an interim to cover the gap and this individual will be in place in July to ensure there is a handover.