Transaid’s board of trustees has unanimously backed the appointment of Jo Godsmark as Chair of the international development organisation. She takes over from Graeme McFaull, who steps down after six successful years in the role.
Jo became a trustee of Transaid in 2014 and went on to serve as Chair of the finance and management committee. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) and a chartered engineer, she benefits from extensive experience working within the supply chain across multiple countries. After roles with Masterfoods UK and Mars Inc, Jo went on to form The Supply Chain Design Company in 2006, before merging with Labyrinth Logistics Consulting in 2008. Today she is a Director of Labyrinth Logistics Consulting, and heads up the supply chain division.
Commenting on her appointment, Jo says: “Like many of us, my relationship with Transaid started by making a donation at an industry dinner where Transaid was the beneficiary. Since then I’ve taken part in the Cycle Tanzania challenge in 2015, where I experienced at first-hand what it felt like to be a vulnerable road user.
“I also got to see the impact of Transaid’s professional driving training programme with the National Institute of Transport in Dar es Salaam. I was incredibly moved by what I saw and it reinforced why Transaid has grown a special place in my heart.”
As Chair, Jo will work closely with Gary Forster, Transaid’s Chief Executive, and the organisation’s senior team – which comprises Caroline Barber, Head of Programmes, Valerie Johnson, Head of Finance, Aggie Krasnolucka-Hickman, Head of Marketing and Communications and Justine Tordoff, Head of HR.
Commenting on his tenure as Chairman, Graeme said: “It has been my privilege and honour to be involved with Transaid and I am delighted to pass the chair to Jo. It was very important we put a strong succession plan in place and Jo has been on the board for a couple of years and received unanimous support in her nomination. I am delighted that she will be taking the organisation onwards and upwards.”
Transaid’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, presented Graeme with a specially commissioned model vehicle to mark his six years as Chairman, made exclusively for Transaid in Malawi.
Graeme first became involved with Transaid during his five years as Chief Executive of Wincanton plc. Today he is the Chairman of Suttons Group, Operating Chairman of Delin Capital and a Non-Executive Director of Wates Group.
For more information and to find out how you can support the charity visit www.transaid.org .