Rupert Simons is stepping down as Chief Executive of Publish What You Fund after three years. During Rupert’s time, Publish What You Fund has strengthened its role as the leading advocate for global aid transparency. The 2016 Aid Transparency Index showed that aid transparency increased in a challenging global environment and we are confident that the forthcoming Index will show further progress. Rupert has worked passionately for our mission to ensure that transparency delivers aid that is more accountable and effective.

Rupert said: “I am proud of what Publish What You Fund has achieved at making transparency an essential part of how aid is delivered. This is a good time for new leadership to come in and help us face new challenges. I am confident that our brilliant team will continue to help make aid more transparent than ever”.

Cathy Turner, Deputy CEO, will lead Publish What You Fund following Rupert’s departure while recruitment for a new CEO is completed. Cathy has worked at Publish What You Fund since 2016 and brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in the NGO sector (at Anti-Slavery International, World Vision UK and Amnesty International), as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The whole team and Board at Publish What You Fund wish Rupert the very best with his next immediate challenge – taking shared parental leave to look after his new-born son – and the new professional challenges to follow.