After almost four years at the helm, Sarah Kline is moving on from her position as our Executive Director with James Whiting appointed as successor. James was most recently Managing Director of Friends of the Earth and brings a compelling wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the role, underpinned by a personal passion for our mission to end suffering and deaths caused by malaria.

Sarah has been a pivotal figure at Malaria No More UK. She oversaw our establishment and launch in 2008/9 and has since been responsible for ongoing growth and development. Since launching, we have successfully helped to make malaria a key international development priority for the UK Government, significantly increased British public understanding and support for tackling malaria and helped protect over 10 million people from malaria in Africa.

Sarah says: “It has been an incredible honour to be asked to establish the charity and help it grow through its first few years. I am very proud of all that we have achieved and really thrilled James is taking on the challenge to develop the organisation further. This feels exactly the right time to pass the baton and I wish him and all the fantastic team at Malaria No More UK every success for the future.”

Sarah’s last day in post is 23 July, when Arabella Gilchrist, our Director of Communications will act as Interim Executive Director until James’s arrival on 28 August.

James’s leadership roles to date have involved strategic growth of both new and established charities. Whilst Deputy Executive Director of Hope for Homes and Children during 1996 to 2005, the organisation became the UK’s fastest growing international children’s charity. More recently, his leadership at Friends of the Earth drove change across its structure, strategy and brand while capitalising on its unique strengths.

“The Malaria No More UK Board thanks Sarah for her inspiring leadership over the past few years and for all her hard work to establish and develop the charity into the success that it is today. We are delighted now to welcome James to the team,” said Heather Rabbatts, Board Chair. “James is uniquely placed to lead the charge as we build on our efforts to drive public awareness and engagement, promote continued support for UK leadership in the fight against malaria, and make life-changing investments to save and protect families in Africa.”

James takes over at a critical moment in the history of the malaria fight. A historic surge in local and global support during the last decade has led to a 33% reduction in malaria deaths in Africa, with a marked increase in access to mosquito nets, effective medicines, rapid diagnostic tests and safe indoor spraying. It is vital these gains are sustained through continued action, momentum and innovation. UK support is critical to making this happen.

James says: “Malaria No More UK has been a driving force behind UK enthusiasm and action to end deaths from malaria. What sets it apart is how well the small team alchemises stirring passion and strategic thinking, and like a surgeon, makes the most effective interventions. We know that we have no time to lose. I look forward to working together with our supporters and partners as we redouble our commitment to overcome this disease that holds back the development of countries and destroys the lives of those who suffer and those they leave behind.”

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