Start Network has announced today it will be seeking a new chair, after Christof Maetze announced his intention to step down on 31 March.
The organisation’s Nominations Committee have launched the search and is aiming to have the new chair in post within the next three months. Noreen Gumbo, vice chair of Start Network’s Board of Trustees, will act as the charity’s interim chair.
Christof Maetze has been the chair of Start Network since August 2018. His experience as a commercial banker, with previous executive roles including being a member of the Executive Management Board at Commerzbank AG, were vital to many of Start Network’s operations.
During his time as chair, Christof Maetze oversaw the charity’s independence from Save the Children UK in 2019, the creation of the Start Fund COVID-19 in March 2020 and has been a key adviser to the setting up of the Start Financing Facility.
Christof Maetze said: “It has been a pleasure and a fulfilling learning experience to be serving on the Board during times of organizational change and new strategic directions. I am very proud of all we have accomplished in the last two ½ years, and I have no doubt the Start Network will continue these successes in the future.”
Christina Bennett, CEO of Start Network said, “I thank Christof Maetze for the time and support he has given to Start Network these past few years. Christof provided critical leadership during our shift to organisational independence in 2019. Since then, he has been an important source of strategic wisdom and insight during this pivotal moment in our evolution and growth.”
Noreen Gumbo, Head of Humanitarian Programmes, Trócaire, will act as the charity’s interim chair. Noreen Gumbo is currently vice chair and has been a trustee since June 2019. Trócaire, is one of Ireland’s top NGOs that works in partnership with local organisations, supporting communities in over 20 developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Start Network is now looking for a new independent Chair of the Board to help lead the network in the next stage of its development and success. Our next Chair will bring ambition and a strong, visible passion for our mission of change in the humanitarian system. They will have experience at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation or social movement, ideally from the Global South.