Peter Barron announced as new DEC trustee

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is pleased to announce that Peter Barron has today joined the DEC Board of Trustees as an independent trustee. Peter succeeds Richard Tait CBE who is stepping down after serving more than six years on the DEC Board.  

Peter Barron’s career spans 20 years in TV news and current affairs, followed by a decade at Google. Peter was Editor of the BBC's Newsnight from 2004-2008, and previously Deputy Editor at Channel 4 News and ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald. In 2008, Peter joined Google and went on to become Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Peter has recently joined the tech company Stripe, as Global Head of Communications, and is a trustee of the House of Illustration. 

Responding to the announcement, Peter said: “The DEC springs into action when it’s urgent and needed, raising impressive funding when there’s a real humanitarian emergency. It makes an impact on a large scale and that’s what inspired me to get involved. 

“I’m delighted to be joining the DEC at this time – I think it's an important moment to look outwards again and be more focused on supporting people in crises around the world.” 

Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of the DEC, said: “Peter’s extensive experience in news media and digital industries, coupled with his energy and drive, will contribute enormously to the work of the DEC. We all look forward to working alongside Peter in our continued efforts to mobilise the public and provide support for people affected by desperate humanitarian emergencies. 

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Richard Tait, our outgoing trustee, who has supported the DEC through nine appeals – from 2014’s appeal for Gaza to our current Coronavirus Appeal focused on helping people in the world’s most fragile states.  

“Richard’s journalism and broadcasting experience has been a vital asset to the DEC, and he has always been calm and exceptionally supportive whilst providing intelligent analysis of the complex issues facing the DEC. Richard will be missed. We wish him all the best with his future endeavours.” 

ENDS  

Notes to editors

Media enquiries, please contact Karen Garvin on kgarvin@dec.org.uk and 07971 576917.  

About the DEC: When large-scale disasters hit countries without the capacity to respond, the DEC brings together 14 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently. In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and our mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response.      

The DEC’s 14 member charities are: Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.