We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Deputy Director, North America. Marti Flacks will join the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre on the 1^st May, working out of Washington DC. She will take over from Annabel Short, who left at the end of March.

Marti is an experienced strategic leader and manager with an impressive track record. Marti’s last job was at the White House as Director for African Affairs for the National Security Council. Prior to that​, at the U.S. Department of State, Marti led and worked on tough issues such as Dodd-Frank 1504, the ​Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s global rules, the ​US Responsible Investment Reporting Requirements for Burma, and Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Before joining the US Government, Marti worked for Human Rights Watch, the Carter Center, and the Earth Institute at Columbia University​, either on staff or as a volunteer.

Marti is committed to our mission to put human rights at the heart of business, particularly in the changing international context, and has worked closely with civil society, business, and governments. She has a great talent for developing and delivering complex programmes and strategies, and nurturing high performing teams.

Marti will be a full member of the senior management team, and will lead our work on economic justice relating to labour and related rights, among other things.

Marti said: “I look forward to joining the Resource Centre’s Global Team. The business and human rights agenda is more relevant than ​ever on the changing international scene. I am excited to work with the broad movement for change, especially with those on the ground, and bring my experience to the opportunity and challenge ​we face together.”

We hope you will be able to meet Marti soon in your work.