U.K.: Richard Blewitt Named new HelpAge International CEO

LONDON (HelpAge International), August 30, 2006: HelpAge International has appointed Richard Blewitt as its new chief executive officer. Richard will take up the new post on November 1, 2006. International experience: Richard brings a wealth of international experience to his new post. Until recently, he has been based in Geneva with the International Federation of the Red Cross, first as Director of Movement Co-ordination and subsequently as Acting Director of Communications. HelpAge International's new CEO, Richard Blewitt. Photo: Drew Sutton@niceimages Prior to this Richard was at the British Red Cross, where he became Director of Strategy, Planning and Coordination. Between 1991 and 1996 Richard worked with Save the Children on emergency and food security issues in East Africa, and in their Ethiopia and Sudan programmes. Richard has also worked for ActionAid as Emergency Operations Manager and has been on secondment with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Richard began his career as a teacher in Sudan. He is married with two teenage children. Looking forward to the challenge: “I’m delighted to be joining HelpAge International and look forward to the challenge of leading the organisation in working to address the issues faced by older people," says Richard on his new appointment. "Ageing is the major issue for the 21st century and older people who live longer are among the poorest people in the developing world. HelpAge International’s challenge is to mainstream ageing issues into development processes and related international commitments.” © Copyright HelpAge International, 2005-2006