[box border=”full”]Amanda Long has been confirmed as the new Director General of Consumers International (CI). Ms. Long will take up the post in January 2014, following the retirement of Helen McCallum.[/box]
Ms. Long joins CI following a highly-successful career within blue-chip, multi-national retail corporations, small/medium-sized enterprises and the public sector. She was central to the conception, development and delivery of one of the first and most ambitious international consumer label and sustainable source certification programmes – the Marine Stewardship Council.
Ms. Long has held senior executive positions within the UK’s co-operative movement, was Head of Corporate Responsibility for Anglian Water Group, and worked as a Director at an international public relations consultancy, Optima PR & Marketing Ltd.
Prior to this, Ms. Long was responsible for sustainability and corporate responsibility communications as International Projects Manager for a subsidiary of Unilever, where she played a key role in launching the Marine Stewardship Council initiative.
Jim Guest, President of CI and CEO of Consumer Reports (US), said:
“I am absolutely delighted to have Amanda joining CI. She comes with a tremendous track record of developing partnerships, leading change, and delivering impact at the highest level. Her international experience and executive pedigree will be a true asset to the entire consumer movement.”
“I also pay tribute to the great work done by Helen McCallum over the past two years. Helen has given CI renewed focus and strategic direction and leaves the organisation in a terrific position for future success.”
Amanda Long said:
[quote]“Now more than ever the work of Consumers International and its Member organisations is of paramount importance. Today, from whatever corner of the world, whether rich or poor, we all consume – even if only for the basics to feed, house and clothe ourselves. Fighting for and protecting the rights of consumers around the globe has got to be the number one uniting priority for us all. I feel deeply privileged to have the opportunity to work on what is one of the central issues of today.”[/quote]