The board of Index on Censorship is delighted to announce that it has appointed Kirsty Hughes as the organisation’s new Chief Executive

A highly-respected international figure, Kirsty will succeed John Kampfner, who leaves at the end of March. She will begin her work in the middle of April, leading a team of 20 in Index’s London office and 12 staff around the world. After he has stepped down as Chief Executive, John Kampfner will join the Index board.

Kirsty’s distinguished career has taken her from Chatham House to the IPPR and the European Commission. More recently, she was head of Global Public Policy and Advocacy at Oxfam. Currently Senior Associate Fellow, at the Centre for International Studies, University of Oxford, Kirsty is also an experienced writer, policy analyst and journalist who has written extensively on European and international politics.

Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of Index, said: “I am delighted that the trustees have appointed Kirsty from a very impressive shortlist. A passionate advocate of freedom of expression, she has the leadership and vision to take Index to a new level, building on the successes of the past three years under John Kampfner.”

Kirsty Hughes said: “At a time when people around the world are standing up for their right to freedom of expression, often in the most difficult and challenging circumstances, Index has been a vital, internationally renowned, source of news, analysis, argument, campaigning and hope. I am greatly looking forward to working with the Index team and its partners.”

John Kampfner said: “It has been a privilege to play my part in Index’s transformation. I’m thrilled that Kirsty will be my successor and I wish her well in the exciting challenge. I’m very pleased to join the Index board and to continue to fly the flag for a wonderful organisation and all it represents.”