New Economics Foundation appoints Dr Danny Sriskandarajah as new chief exec

Dr Dhananjayan (Danny) Sriskandarajah has been appointed as chief executive officer of leading progressive think tank the New Economics Foundation (NEF). NEF announced today that, following an extensive search process, Sriskandarajah will replace Miatta Fahnbulleh, who announced in December 2022 her intention to stand as Labour candidate for Camberwell and Peckham at the next general election.

Dr Danny Sriskandarajah is currently chief executive at Oxfam GB. From developing a bold new strategy and raising Oxfam’s profile, to stabilising the organisation’s finances and reforming its business model and governance, Sriskandarajah has steered the organisation through significant organisational and cultural change.

Alongside a deep-rooted commitment to tackling inequality, Sriskandarajah brings to NEF extensive experience leading organisations across the civil society, intergovernmental and policy worlds at a national and international level. Prior to joining Oxfam, he was secretary general of the global civil society alliance CIVICUS, with members in more than 180 countries. Before that, he was the first non-British CEO of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the deputy director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, where he led its work on migration and inequalities.

Lord Bob Kerslake, chair of trustees at the New Economics Foundation, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Danny after an extensive search, to replace our outgoing and brilliant chief exec, Miatta Fahnbulleh. Danny is a values-driven leader, who brings a commitment to helping us realise NEF’s vision of making Britain a more equal, just and sustainable country through growing a progressive economy that puts people at the centre. Danny brings a wealth of experience of leading, shaping and raising the profile of national and international organisations – and most importantly he brings a personal commitment and energy to changing Britain and the world for the better. I would personally like to thank Miatta for her exceptional and visionary leadership over the last five years at NEF.”

Incoming CEO at the New Economics Foundation, Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, said:

“The issues that NEF has worked on – and the approach it has taken – have always felt salient, but today they feel more urgent than ever. Our economic system is driving inequality and insecurity, and the green transition is too slow. Progress on both requires both bold ideas and reimagining democratic participation. NEF’s instinct of trying to ground solutions through organising with communities to co-create solutions feels more relevant than ever. I am excited to lead NEF through its next phase as it helps deliver a more equitable and sustainable economy that works for people and our planet.”

Notes

The New Economics Foundation is a charitable think-tank which is wholly independent of political parties and committed to being transparent about how it is funded.

Dr Danny Sriskandarajah will take up the role of CEO at NEF in January 2024. Miatta Fahnbulleh will remain in post until then.

Dr Danny Sriskandarajah was recruited through an extensive search led by Harry Marven at Green Park, a global talent advisory firm.