Alex Thier takes office as CEO

The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS), is excited to share that Alex Thier has been named Chief Executive Officer. 

Alex joins GFEMS at a pivotal moment. To-date, the Fund has raised significant seed funding from global partners and launched innovative projects around the world. We have established a robust approach to prevalence measurement and forged new partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders. The Fund is now ready to build on this foundation and Alex’s leadership will be instrumental in building and expanding partnerships around the world.

On behalf of the GFEMS Board of Directors, Dr. Jean Baderschneider, Board Chair stated, “Alex has the expertise and networks required to build a true coalition of public and private sector partners and funders to realize the global fund vision. His appointment is a critical step in the continued development of GFEMS as a global leader and partner in the fight to end modern slavery.”

With nearly three decades of leadership in civil society, government, and international institutions, Alex has the unique combination of skills and experience necessary to increase collaboration and spearhead the Fund in its next stage of growth. “We chose Alex based on his exceptional global experience, deep understanding of the world’s most intractable challenges, and demonstrated ability to translate bold ideas into action at scale,” said GFEMS Board member, Ernie Allen. 

Prior to GFEMS, Alex served as the Executive Director of the Overseas Development Institute, the Co-Director of the Task Force on US Strategy to Support Democracy and Counter Authoritarianism, and led global policy, planning, and partnership at USAID. In these roles, Alex created and supported several multi-donor investment funds and played a leadership role in driving major international initiatives, including the 2015 UN Financing for Development Agreement and the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership. 

Alex said, “I couldn’t be more inspired to join this incredible team. The enormity of the suffering and injustice caused by the perpetuation of slavery should shock the conscience of the world, and inspire a robust and relentless response until it is eradicated. Despite the millions of people who care deeply and want change, the scale of resources, action, and awareness are not equal to the cause. We know we can and must do more–and the GFEMS Board and team have shown that through inspiration and effort, significant progress is possible, even in the most difficult places. This past year has taught us much about both the best of humanity and our limitations. So it is with both hope and humility that I join GFEMS in the fight to end modern slavery.”

GFEMS is a bold international fund forging public-private partnerships to develop new, scalable, sustainable approaches to ending modern slavery. We work to develop a coherent global strategy, and ensure solutions and stakeholders are working together as we address this issue and the systems that perpetuate it. As CEO, Alex will bring his tremendous experience building robust public-private partnerships, navigating global challenges, and scaling initiatives to advance the GFEMS mission. 

Read Alex’s full biography.

Questions regarding this announcement may be sent to media@gfems.org. 

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