<h3 class="post-title subpt">The Chair of the Elders, Kofi Annan, today announced the retirement effective 18 March 2016 of Ms Lesley-Anne Knight, the Chief Executive Officer of The Elders.</h3><div class="quoteblock"><div class="quotetext"></div></div><p align="center"><img src="/sites/default/files/migrated3/lesley-anne-knight-kofi-annan-cropped.jpg"/><br /><em>Lesley-Anne Knight and Kofi Annan at the board meeting in Cape Town, 2013</em></p>
<p>In making the announcement, Mr Annan warmly praised Ms Knight’s work and commitment since being <a href="http://www.theelders.org/article/lesley-anne-knight-appointed-chief-exe… to the role</strong></a> in January 2013.</p>
<p>Kofi Annan said:</p>
<p><em>“</em><span style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 20.0063px;"><em>Lesley-Anne Knight</em>&nbsp;</span><em style="font-size: 13.008px; line-height: 1.538em;">has made a major contribution to shaping the global work and public advocacy of The Elders in the areas of climate change, women’s rights and sustainable development among others.”</em></p>
<p>He added that:</p>
<p><em>“She has shown an unwavering commitment to the mission of The Elders and worked hard to ensure our success”.</em></p>
<p>Mr Annan also announced that Mr Andrew Whitley, currently the Policy and Advocacy Director of The Elders will act as the interim CEO pending the appointment of Ms Knight’s successor.</p>
<p>For media inquiries, please contact William French, Head of International Media at The Elders (+44 7795 693903 or <strong><a href="mailto:[email protected]&quot; target="_blank">[email protected]</a></strong>)</p>