The Extern Group Board is delighted to announce the appointment of the Charity’s new CEO, Mr Colin Hayburn.

Colin has a wealth of strategic, leadership and governance experience as an Executive Director at the McClay Foundation and for the past fourteen years as an Executive Director at the international pharmaceutical giant Almac Group. He has been recognised for his contribution to economic development and philanthropy.

The work of Extern across the island continues to be vital as the legacy of the pandemic and the cost-of-living challenges continue to press down hardest on those families, children, young people, and individuals who are already facing extreme need, many in poor living conditions.

Colin Hayburn said: “I have admired and respected the work of Extern for many years, and in particular its dedicated focus to reach the most disadvantaged and voiceless in our communities. I am honoured and excited to take up the opportunity to lead the highly skilled and dedicated management and staff team. Together we will continue to deliver innovative services, amplify the voices of the people we support and walk in solidarity with them.

“Forging a just society for the future means deepening partnerships and collaborations that will better serve those whose lives are being lived on the fringes of society, and in so doing we believe everyone in society will benefit. Extern, as an island wide charity, is uniquely placed to effect change that will transform lives. I look forward to working closely with funders and stakeholders from across the sector as well as policy makers and legislators.”

Allen McCartney, Chair of Extern Group said: “We are delighted to appoint a new Chief Executive with an outstanding track record. Colin brings extensive leadership experience from his years at Almac Group coupled with a keen sense of social justice through the charitable endeavours of the McClay Foundation since 2008. Colin’s skills and experience will prove vital to the next phase of our work which will be launched though our new five-year strategy in April 2023.

“Colin will be building on the solid work we have undertaken in the areas of compliance, governance, safeguarding and human resource management; he joins a committed management and staff team and experienced trustees from the boards of Extern NI, Extern Ireland, and Extern Group.

“Extern has successfully met the tough challenges of the last few years, and we can now look forward with renewed confidence to what we can achieve together under the leadership of our new CEO.”

Mr Hayburn will take up his new role on 16th January 2023