Today we announced publicly the appointment of Anne Jellema, former International Director of Policy and Campaigns at ActionAid International (AAI), as new CEO effective May 5, 2012.

As our core programs continue to grow and as the Foundation enters a new phase of accelerated impact around the world, we welcome Anne’s experience in advocacy, research, campaigning, and program management as she will ensure the continued integrated, global approach we apply across all of our work.

As Director of Policy and Campaigns at AAI, Anne was instrumental in envisioning and developing AAI’s campaign programs, and eventually oversaw the organization’s programming in the food and agriculture, women’s rights, and education sectors. Previously, she was Global Coordinator for the Global Campaign for Education, where she grew a small group of international NGOs into one of the largest and most successful international movements for economic and social rights.

“With only one third of the world’s population currently having access to the Web, our mission is to extend its power to foster change for the better around the globe at a time when such change is sorely needed. We feel fortunate to have attracted a person of Anne’s caliber, experience and energy to build on our strong existing platform and intensify our impact,” said Rick Haythornthwaite, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Web Foundation.

Steve Bratt, who announced his intention to resign in December 2011, has led us from our initial conception through the current launch phase. Working with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, our prestigious Boards of Directors, and all of our staff, his leadership has positioned the Foundation as a global leader exploring and demonstrating innovative approaches to leveraging the Web to provide useful services for communities in need. We’re very appreciative for Steve’s leadership, and are pleased to report that he will remain closely affiliated with the Foundation as a member of the Web Index’s Science Council.