IHRB announces founding CEO, John Morrison, will step down in 2025, and launches search for successor
13 January 2025
IHRB’s founding CEO, John Morrison, who has led the organisation since 2009, will be stepping down at the end of 2025.
Today IHRB is launching the process to recruit a visionary, dynamic, and strategic leader to join us in our mission to make respect for human rights part of everyday business.
For more than 15 years, IHRB has been a trusted partner to businesses, governments, and civil society organisations, providing thought leadership, cutting-edge research, and strategic guidance to ensure respect for human rights in corporate activity.
IHRB’s next CEO will shape the organisation’s next phase of growth and strategic direction; lead its operational management, financial health and culture; and foster strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across the globe.
For details about this exciting role and how to apply, please visit the CEO job advert listed on IHRB’s dedicated online recruitment platform, Team Tailor.
After 16 years of dynamic and visionary leadership, John Morrison has developed IHRB into a cutting-edge organisation working at the forefront of the most important human rights and business issues of our time. IHRB's interventions on key issues to date creates a platform for action on which the new CEO, backed by a hugely talented global team, can build and help further our mission to make human rights part of everyday business.
Ron Popper, Co-Chair of IHRB’s Board of Trustees
We embark on a new chapter for IHRB when John leaves, following 16 years of dedicated and exceptional leadership and vision - he has been an embodiment of our organisation’s values and commitment to advancing responsible business practices around the world. We will miss John and his innovative spirit, and we thank him for the inspiration he has given us over so many years. IHRB’s next CEO will lead the organisation at a time of great challenges and opportunities, when the link between human rights and business is in the global spotlight and more important than ever.
Margot Wallström, Chair of IHRB’s International Advisory Council
John’s remarkable leadership has shaped IHRB into the global force it is today. We will greatly miss his extraordinary vision and innovative spirit, which are now part of the organisation’s DNA. With this strong foundation and an exceptional team, we look ahead with excitement and confidence to this next phase. IHRB’s next CEO will have a unique opportunity to expand our impact and continue to drive transformative change in the critical intersection of human rights and business.
Julia Batho, IHRB’s Deputy CEO
Over the past 16 years, IHRB has embraced the necessity to build trust with and between those involved and impacted by what businesses do or don’t do to respect human rights, from members of corporate boards to human rights defenders holding businesses accountable on the ground. Creating stronger alignment between these groups is challenging, but when it happens it can change the world. I am immensely proud of the work we have done to forge alliances and take collective action to advance respect for human rights in business. Now it is time for a new CEO to lead IHRB, to bring fresh ideas and leadership to this small but mighty organisation.
John Morrison, IHRB’s CEO
Key information
- Deadline for application: This position will be advertised until the recruitment process is complete, lasting an estimated six weeks. Therefore we encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity in order not to miss out.
- Interviews: First round interviews will be held on the week of 10th of February 2025, via Zoom. Short-listed candidates will be notified and invited by email.
- Expected start date: November 2025. A job offer will be subject to the receipt of at least two satisfactory references.
For full details about this exciting role and how to apply, please visit IHRB’s dedicated online recruitment platform, Team Tailor.
If you would like to speak to someone about this role, please reach out to our colleagues at recruitment agency Acre: tanith.allen@acre.com
