Mercy Corps Announces New Chair for European Board of Directors

Nick Blazquez to take the helm on Oct. 22

EDINBURGH, United Kingdom — Mercy Corps announced today that Dr. Nick Blazquez will take over as Chair of its European Board, effective Oct. 22. He replaces Tom Murray, who will remain as a Director of the Board.

Blazquez has served on the Board since 2007 and is a member of the Mercy Corps Joint Board Executive Committee and the Joint Finance Committee. He previously held a number of senior positions with Diageo Plc. and was President for Diageo businesses in Asia, Pacific, Africa and India. He is currently supporting business start-ups and working with Private Equity.

Blazquez holds a Ph.D. from Bristol University and a BSc from Aberdeen University. He also was a lecturer at Bristol University and conducted research on reproductive physiology.

“I can say with great confidence that Mercy Corps’ operations in Europe and beyond are in very capable hands with Nick as Chairman,” said Simon O’Connell, Executive Director at Mercy Corps Europe. “I’d also like to thank Tom for his guidance over the past three years as Chair. We are delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a Director of the Board.”

“The Mercy Corps mission of helping people build secure, productive and just communities is something I take to heart,” said Blazquez. “I’m honoured to help the organisation continue its great work and I look forward to doing so in ways that can help alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression amongst the populations we serve.”

Murray has served as Chair of the Mercy Corps Europe Board since November 2015. “It has been a huge privilege to serve as Chair of this exceptional agency for the past three years, and to witness the difference that its people are making in some of the world’s most difficult places. I am delighted to be continuing on the Board of Mercy Corps Europe, and to be working with Nick in his new role.”

The Mercy Corps Europe Board ensures that the organisation adheres to its charitable purposes and mission; guides major strategic decisions and policies; and provides accountability and proper management of Mercy Corps Europe.