Christian international development charity Tearfund has named Silas Balraj as its latest Chief Executive Officer.
He will take up the role in September, bringing with him many years of world leadership experience within the charitable and personal sectors.
Balraj previously served for greater than 20 years at Compassion International, holding a variety of senior positions. These included Country Director for India, Vice President for Asia, and most recently, Senior Principal in the worldwide programme team.
Prior to his work within the charity sector, he worked in India’s IT industry, where he led start-up ventures and developed operational and HR infrastructure.
Speaking about his appointment, Balraj said: “I’m honoured to affix Tearfund at such a pivotal time. Around the world, thousands and thousands still face the tough realities of maximum poverty and injustice and I’m deeply inspired by Tearfund’s commitment to working through the local church to bring lasting change.
“I’m keen about the role of the church to rework communities facing crisis, and I stay up for being a part of that mission.”
Chair of Trustees at Tearfund, Anna Laszlo, welcomed the news of Balraj’s appointment. She said:
“Silas brings a wealth of leadership, experience and vision to Tearfund. His deep commitment to seeing the church act as a catalyst for community transformation will likely be foundational as we proceed to answer the growing and complicated challenges of maximum poverty. He is a visionary leader and we’re incredibly enthusiastic about the whole lot Silas will bring to the role.”
Over the past yr, Tearfund has directly supported 2.9 million people, with an extra 6.1 million reached through its church-led community development programmes.
Tim Pilkington, currently Chief Operating Officer, will function interim CEO until Balraj formally begins in his latest position.
Balraj’s appointment comes at a time of growing global need and represents Tearfund’s continued commitment to long-term, faith-led solutions to poverty and injustice.
