Humane World for Animals UK

About

Humane World for Animals is a global movement working to protect animals and advance their welfare wherever they are at risk. Whether it’s challenging the fur trade, fighting to end trophy hunting imports, eliminating cruel farming practices or ending the brutal dog meat trade in Asia, their campaigns are making a real difference for animals. Humane World for Animals United Kingdom is at the heart of that mission, helping to deliver international impact while also shaping a distinct UK voice in the animal protection movement.

With a newly launched global brand, a track record of sustainable growth and a strong foundation of support, HWA UK were entering an exciting new chapter.

The Brief

Humane World for Animals United Kingdom were looking for an Executive Director to lead the UK operations of a dynamic global organisation, by championing their values, inspiring their team, and driving forward their strategic priorities.

The Executive Director would lead all aspects from setting direction, strengthening operations, guiding a skilled team, and supporting the public and philanthropic profile. They would work closely with the Board of Trustees and global colleagues to align UK strategy with HWA’s international goals, while ensuring HWA UK respond to the opportunities and challenges of the UK’s political and charitable landscape.

Our Approach

Following consultation with the recruitment panel and the leadership team, we mapped a search to identify strategic, values-driven leaders with experience of managing charity operations, budgets and governance frameworks, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style and the ability to act as an ambassador, representing an organisation to a range of stakeholders. Using a targeted head-hunt approach, as well as leveraging our extensive candidate database, supported by a transparent advertising campaign, we also ensured potential candidates shared HWAUK’s belief in a more humane world.

We received over 130 applications for the role, from which we long-listed 10 candidates who scored the highest against the key criteria. In consultation with the recruitment panel, we interviewed six candidates. Four of these candidates progressed to interviews with the recruitment panel, as well as meetings with the outgoing Executive Director and the leadership team.

The Outcome

David Elliott was appointed to the Executive Director post. David was previously CEO at Trees for Cities, where he grew the organisation from £1m to £6m turnover, increasing impact, public awareness and organisational reputation. He has also served as CEO for the Future Forest Company and One Tribe Global, two environmental early-stage companies. He has been in leadership roles in the sector for over 20 years and spent much of this period working overseas. He is a Trustee and advisor for a range of environmental organisations. The background and skills of the appointed applicant.

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