GoodWeave International’s board of directors has appointed Jon Jacoby as the organisation's new chief executive officer (CEO).
Jacoby brings significant expertise in responsible business, workers’ and human rights, and inclusive development, which GoodWeave believes is central to the organisation's holistic approach to stopping child labour.
"I have long admired GoodWeave for its ground-breaking, grassroots-to-global work within the business and human rights realm,” said Jacoby.
He continues: “I am honoured to be taking the helm at a time when the organisation is positioned for even more impact and growth in new sectors. I look forward to rolling up sleeves with our partners and stakeholders across business, philanthropy, government and civil society to ensure the rights of highly vulnerable children and informal workers in South Asia and around the world are protected and respected. I am deeply inspired to carry on the remarkable legacy of our founding CEO Nina Smith, and that of our founder and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi."
Prior to joining GoodWeave, Jacoby led global grant-making at the Open Society Foundations (OSF) advancing human rights for vulnerable workers and communities in corporate supply chains.
In addition to this, he previously managed US and global teams at Oxfam. Jacoby holds a Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts in international affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Harvard University.
Siddharth Kara, GoodWeave International’s board co-chair says: "After an extensive selection process by the board, I’m very pleased to welcome Jon to GoodWeave. His deep commitment to the fundamental rights of workers combined with business engagement and fundraising experience enable him to lead the organisation into its new chapter."
Kara also shared heartfelt gratitude to Smith for her leadership in the organisation for the past 24 years.
This follows Smith's announcement earlier this year saying she would be stepping down from CEO post. However, she will continue working with GoodWeave in a strategic advisory capacity through 2023 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
