THP-UK Announcement: Country Director for the UK is appointed

The Hunger Project UK has named Rebecca Burgess as its next Country Director. Rebecca joined the global charity last week (04/04/22), following leadership roles in the climate and gender sectors.

Acting CEO and Co-Chair of The Hunger Project UK Manda Lakhani states “We are absolutely delighted that Rebecca has joined us to lead the next phase of our growth. I am confident she will attract new investors and sponsors in the UK, so that we can continue to build self-reliance at the grassroots level and empower women as key change agents in ending hunger in the 13 countries we work in.”

Lakhani will now become Chair of the Trustee Board, sharing her responsibilities with existing Trustee, Dr Joanna Martin. Martin adds: “The Trustees would like to thank Manda Lakhani for her tireless efforts and dedication as Acting CEO over the last challenging 18 months. This gift of her pro bono time has laid powerful foundations upon which Rebecca can now build.”

Martin continues “As a leader who understands the complexities of global hunger, we look forward to Rebecca stewarding THP UK to become a major contributor to our common global intention.”

Recognised for decisive leadership, Rebecca will focus on re-building The Hunger Project’s presence in the UK following COVID-19; growing awareness, fundraising and capacity for its global programmes.

“Never has there been a more critical time in our mission to end global hunger and poverty. Rising temperatures and the global pandemic have highlighted the vulnerabilities of our global food system and it’s the most innocent that are feeling the worst effects. We need to transform food systems to benefit both people and the planet,” said Rebecca.

“I look forward to working closely with our Board of Trustees, colleagues and volunteers to achieve a more sustainable and equal world for all.”

Prior to The Hunger Project UK, Rebecca held several C-Suite roles with organisations championing women empowerment, carbon accounting and the circular economy. As Chief Executive of City to Sea, she grew the organisation to a team of 25 and tripled their income. In 2020, Rebecca was featured in Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35, the country’s longest-running, most prestigious list of young, female business talent.

Rebecca moved to the Southwest of England, after 10 years shaping sector leading programmes with a variety of companies and not-for-profits in London.