Sightsavers welcomes Clive Jones as new chair of trustees

Broadcasting veteran Clive Jones is to take the helm of Sightsavers’ UK board of trustees, taking over from Martin Dinham, who is stepping down after four years in the role.

Clive brings with him impressive experience in broadcasting, journalism and humanitarian crisis response. He is currently chairman of the ITV Pension Fund, the Runnymede Trust and National Theatre Wales.

Starting his career as a newspaper journalist, Clive then moved into broadcasting, where he held a series of top executive and board roles in the commercial TV sector. He has been CEO of several the leading ITV companies, including Central and the Carlton Television Group, and managing director of the ITV Network.

He is due to receive a knighthood for his work as chair of the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee, which brings together 14 leading UK aid agencies to raise money at times of humanitarian crises in poorer countries.

Clive said: “It is a privilege to be joining Sightsavers at such an exciting time for the organisation, from the real progress that is being made in the elimination of neglected tropical diseases, like blinding trachoma, to supporting countries across Africa and South Asia to strengthen their health care systems and ensure people can get the eye care they need.”

Sightsavers CEO Caroline Harper said: “As we welcome Clive into the Sightsavers fold, we also bid a fond a farewell to Martin Dinham, who has led the board of trustees with skill and finesse. Martin has steered us through some momentous moments, including the celebration of the billionth Sightsavers-supported NTD treatment, and a period of sustained growth that has also seen us enhance our work to ensure people with disabilities are included in development.

“We look forward to the guidance Clive will provide as we continue our mission to prevent avoidable blindness and promote the rights of people with disabilities.”