8 July 2013
HelpAge International, the global network that campaigns for the rights of older people, has announced the appointment of Toby Porter as its new Chief Executive Officer. Toby brings to his new appointment an impressive record in leading humanitarian, development and fundraising teams and programmes with Save the Children and Oxfam GB. Toby will take up his new post with HelpAge International in October.
Toby will be making the move from Save the Children UK, where he is currently Director of Programme Partnerships and leads the department responsible for the organisation’s institutional relationships and the fundraising and delivery of its global portfolio of grants and contracts.
From 2008 until 2011, Toby was Save the Children India’s first Director of Programmes and helped establish India as Save the Children’s fastest growing member. Before India, Toby was Save the Children’s Emergencies Director from 2004 to 2007, leading responses to disasters such as the 2004 Tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake in 2005. Toby also held a series of country-based positions for ten years, firstly with Merlin and then Oxfam GB.
Silvia Stefanoni, interim CEO of HelpAge International, said:
“Toby comes to HelpAge International with a wealth of field experience in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. He possesses a deep understanding of organisational and network development. Toby has extensive experience with the media and communications through international non-profit networks.
“The HelpAge International board and I are confident that Toby’s skills and experience will enable him to lead our organization to even greater successes on behalf of older people throughout the world.”
Toby Porter, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge International, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining HelpAge International. I believe that HelpAge is truly a cause for our time. Life expectancy is rising in almost every country of the world – a cause for celebration. By 2050 there will be 2 billion people aged 60 or over, making up more than one fifth of the global population.
“National governments and the international community are not doing enough to adapt to these changes and allow older people to enjoy their right to dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. Millions and millions of older people still face discrimination, abuse, exclusion and, in countries like Syria, atrocities and displacement.
“HelpAge International’s network is a beacon for the rights of older people all over the world, and I am incredibly proud to be joining an exceptional team of staff, affiliates, partners who have achieved so much in recent years.”
-ENDS-
About HelpAge International
HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. Our work is strengthened through our global network of like-minded organisations – the only one of its kind in the world.
Contact Attila Kulcsar at HelpAge International on +44 (0) 20 7148 7623 (mobile: +44 (0) 7713 567624 or email