Amnesty International Announces New Leadership

Amnesty International is pleased to welcome Grant Bayldon as the new Executive Director of the Aotearoa New Zealand section of the human rights organisation.

Grant Bayldon started with Amnesty International this week and will be based in Auckland.

Amnesty’s Governance Team selected Bayldon following a comprehensive national search. He was chosen due to his combination of not-for-profit expertise, operational, fundraising and marketing experience.

As the organisation seeks to further use its influence and networks to contribute to international developments from a human rights perspective, the Governance Team noted Bayldon’s track record and leadership experience as the right match for the organisation.

Bayldon worked for Oxfam New Zealand for the last five years, initially as Marketing Director and more recently as Operations Director.

Amnesty’s Chair Helen Shorthouse said, “We are excited that Grant Bayldon will take on the leadership of the organisation at a time of critical importance for human rights.”

“I am so pleased to join an organisation as well respected as Amnesty International at a time of challenge and opportunity,” said Bayldon.

“The horrific atrocities being committed in Syria on a daily basis and the historically significant upcoming negotiations of an Arms Trade Treaty are just two examples of the important human rights issues on the global agenda today, in which New Zealand has a key role to play,” said Bayldon.

Formerly Chief Executive of trans-Tasman law firm Duncan Cotterill, Bayldon moved into the not-for-profit sector in 2003 to pursue his interest in international justice and human rights.

Bayldon steps into the role following the departure of Patrick Holmes, who led the organisation from late 2007 to early 2012.

ENDS