Concern Worldwide (UK) appoints new Executive Director

Salam joins Concern from Save the Children UK, where she has held roles across fundraising and marketing, policy and advocacy, and operations. These have included stints in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Tanzania.

“I could not be more delighted to be joining Concern (UK) at this important time,” Salam said.

“I have long respected this brilliant organisation and its work to end extreme poverty through both humanitarian response and longer-term innovation.

“I am really looking forward to becoming part of the Concern family.”

Since 2016, Sayyeda Salam has been Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy, building relationships with philanthropists, foundations and the private sector in teams that have delivered more than £300 million for children’s rights. 

In 2022, she was seconded to lead an initiative developing strategic partnerships in the Gulf. 

She is Save the Children UK’s co-leadership sponsor of efforts to shift power from London to operations and local partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America and is also a trustee of the Refugee Council.

Bernadette Sexton, Chair of Trustees at Concern (UK), welcomed the appointment: “We are excited that Sayyeda is joining us to lead the organisation at this time in our strategic development.

“Together with strong leadership skills, Sayyeda brings with her a huge amount of experience in fundraising and influential partnerships and an obvious commitment to support people who are marginalised and most vulnerable.” 

Salam will start the role in September taking over from Danny Harvey, who was recently appointed Head of Technical Assistance for Concern Worldwide.

Concern Worldwide works in 26 of the world’s most vulnerable countries to tackle extreme poverty. Last year, it reached 30.3 million people worldwide through its emergency response, education, livelihoods, and health and nutrition programmes. 

Concern (UK) raised £24.9 million from public donations and institutional funding in 2023, with £23.1 million going to Concern’s overseas programmes.

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