Eric Salama Named Chair of Comic Relief

Comic Relief has announced that global business leader Eric Salama has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Eric recently stepped down as the CEO of international research, insight and data consultancy Kantar, where he led the organisation for over 18 years and grew the organisation to over $4bn of revenue and 30,000 employees.

Kantar operated in all markets around the world, including all countries that Comic Relief work within. He has previously served as an advisor to the Government on e-commerce and business, and as a non-executive director at DFID (The Department for International Development) and has helped many brands expand both locally and internationally.

Eric will formally start the role of Chair of the Comic Relief board on 1 July and succeed Tim Davie, BBC Studios Chief Executive, who has successfully served on the board for over six and a half years (since September 2013).

A key part of Eric’s strategic role will be navigating Comic Relief’s future success including overseeing the charity’s long term response and new ways of operating in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is set to have an unprecedented impact on all aspects of the voluntary sector and on many vulnerable communities for years to come.

Eric will lead an exceptional professional, diverse and talented board of trustees, with a broad range of expertise including leaders in technology, business and law.

Eric Salama said: “Comic Relief has achieved so much over the past 30 years and has the potential to achieve even more over the next 30.  Its creative heart is unique and its services are needed more than ever right now.   I look forward to helping the charity grow to even greater success.  I’m thrilled to be joining a group of such talented people and I can’t wait to start.”

Ruth Davison, Chief Executive of Comic Relief said “It is fantastic to warmly welcome Eric to Comic Relief and I look forward to working closely with him. This is a crucial moment for the charity as we face new challenges and refresh our strategic goals and vision. Tim Davie has been a brilliant Chair and I’m confident that Eric’s strong leadership and unique mix of business and creative expertise will put Comic Relief on the path to even greater success.“`

May 23, 2020