Martin Edlund , Chief Marketing Officer of Malaria No More since 2011 and a founding member of the organization, has been named Chief Executive Officer effective immediately, Board of Directors Chairman Peter Chernin announced today.
"We greatly value Martin's passion and proven track record within the organization and we are thrilled that he will continue to lead our innovative efforts to end deaths from malaria," said Chernin. "The board is deeply grateful to Dr. David Bowen for his leadership as our CEO over the past two years, and we are delighted to welcome Martin Edlund to the position."
As a key leader in the organization since it launched at the 2006 White House Summit on Malaria, Edlund has helped drive awareness and funding for the malaria fight through high-profile partnerships with the United States Government, American Idol, ExxonMobil, News Corporation, Time Warner, and others. Edlund also lived and worked in West Africa, where he helped to launch Malaria No More's innovative net distribution and education campaigns with country leadership and local partners.
"Martin brings a unique blend of marketing skill, deep content knowledge, in-country experience and a passion to save lives," said Ray Chambers , the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Malaria and the Financing of the Health Millennium Development Goals, and founder of Malaria No More. "I am so pleased to welcome him as CEO of Malaria No More and look forward to working with him in this new capacity."
Edlund takes over the role of CEO at a crucial time. Malaria deaths have been reduced by 33% in Africa in the last decade, but a $3.6 billion gap remains to achieve and maintain universal access to lifesaving tools – including insecticide treated mosquito nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and effective treatment.
Prior to joining Malaria No More, Edlund served as Communications Director for Millennium Promise and worked as a journalist for publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Slate, and The New Republic, where he co-founded the online magazine in 2000. He also worked as a political consultant in Washington, D.C., specializing in online campaigns.
Kate Campana , Managing Director of Impact Programs for Malaria No More, has decided to leave her fulltime role to set up a new Africa-based nonprofit, called Speak Up Africa, that will work in close collaboration with Malaria No More on the African continent.
"Kate has demonstrated innovation and passion in her commitment to African leadership in the malaria fight," said Chernin. "We look forward to working hand in hand with her and Speak Up Africa to achieve our mission to end malaria deaths." In recognition of her six years of leadership, Campana has been nominated to the Board of Directors of the organization, and will continue to consult on programmatic work.
Speak Up Africa is born out of a partnership with existing Board member, world-renowned singer and Senegal's tourism and culture minister, Youssou Ndour . It will focus on communications and advocacy with multi-sector leaders to help Africa defeat its top killers of children, including malaria.
About Malaria No More
Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths. We're helping the world get it done by engaging leaders, rallying the public, and delivering life-saving tools and education to families across Africa. Founded in 2006 by business leaders Ray Chambers and Peter Chernin , Malaria No More is working to create a world in which no one dies from a mosquito bite. For more information, visit www.MalariaNoMore.org.
