International non-profit organization Relief International has today announced three new appointments to its boards. Chris Kinder will be stepping into the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee whilst Giorgi Pkhakadze and Cyril Payen Dubois De La Patellière join the organization’s Fundraising Committee. These appointments will support Relief International’s work partnering with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives and promote long-term health and wellbeing.

Alongside his role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Chris Kinder has also been appointed as a member of the Governance & Nominating Committee at Relief International. Chris is a qualified Chartered Accountant and former partner at Accenture where he worked for over 30 years. His final role at the global consulting firm was as Chief Risk Officer for a $5bn business unit. Since retiring, Chris has served as both Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee at Sightsavers and he is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees at Afghanaid.

Chris says, “With so many devastating crises persisting around the world, Relief International’s work delivering and strengthening healthcare services in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East is critical. I am very pleased to play my part in supporting their mission.”

Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze has advised on public health policies and programming for a range of organisations including the UN, the European Union and NGOs as well as public and private hospitals. He has served on the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Accountability Panel as well as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI)’s Independent Review Committee. Professor Pkhakadze is currently the Chair of Georgia’s Public Health Institute where he leads national initiatives, including the accreditation of healthcare facilities. He is also a consultant for the WHO’s Department of Health and Migration covering competency standards for health workers who provide care for refugees.

Professor Pkhakadze says, “I look forward to using my experience to support Relief International’s important work partnering with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to deliver evidence-based programs that save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing.”

Cyril Payen is a senior journalist who covers conflicts, disasters and crises around the world. Cyril lived in Bangkok for more than two decades where he reported on crises in South East Asia’s eleven countries before moving to Jerusalem to cover Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and numerous other countries in the region. He is currently based in Paris where he is a senior correspondent for France 24.

Cyril says, “I have seen first-hand how vital the work of organizations like Relief International is. Every day local staff including doctors, midwives and community health workers go the extra mile to support those most in need, long after the world’s attention has turned away. I am proud to support Relief International and its committed colleagues around the world.”

Craig Redmond, Chief Executive Officer of Relief International says, “Relief International remains dedicated to partnering with communities living through conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health. Each of these new boards members brings an invaluable wealth of experience from their respective fields which will help us continue making long-lasting impact. I am delighted to welcome Chris, Giorgi and Cyril on board!”

The organization has also officially announced a change in name from MRCA/Relief International-France to Relief International-France marking efforts to increase engagement with European donors in order to provide more vital support for communities in need in 2024 and beyond.

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About Relief International:

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.

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