JANET VOUTE STEPS DOWN AS CEO OF THE WORLD HEART FEDERATION
After eight years as CEO of the World Heart Federation, Janet Voûte decided to step down from the organization to pursue other opportunities. Janet was pivotal in establishing the World Heart Federation as the leading global nongovernmental organization for the prevention and control of heart and disease.
Acknowledging Janet’s contribution
“We are very grateful to Janet for her considerable advocacy, alliance building and awareness raising skills, coupled with the industry understanding that she brought to the World Heart Federation,” said Professor Sheikh, President of the World Heart Federation. “In the last eight years with the support of the board, our members, partners and supporters, Janet has driven the World Heart Federation to become the leading global nongovernmental organization for the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke. We wish her very well in her next endeavour.”
A resolution of acknowledgement and appreciation of Janet’s work was presented at the General Assembly, which took place on 18 May 2008, during the World Congress of Cardiology.
Resolution presented to the General Assembly
SUBMITTED TO: The World Heart Federation General Assembly
SUBJECT: Recognition and appreciation of Janet Voûte, Chief Executive Officer of the World Heart Federation
INTRODUCED BY: The World Heart Federation Board
WHEREAS under Janet’s leadership, the World Heart Federation has enjoyed eight years of rapid consecutive growth in terms of reputation, income, activities, membership and staff; and
WHEREAS she has provided strategic direction to the organization in a complex and fast changing environment; and
WHEREAS the efforts of the Board and staff have been coordinated by her such that they have resulted in a compound annual income growth rate of 39% over the past eight years; and
WHEREAS public awareness-building campaigns including the flagship World Heart Day and Go Red for Women have been nurtured by her; and
WHEREAS the design and implementation of demonstration projects in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific have been overseen by her; and
WHEREAS she has played a key role in developing the framework for congress activities, through the biennial World Congress of Cardiology; and
WHEREAS through her dedication, negotiation and advocacy skills, the organization is now a leading advocate for the cause of preventing the ever rising burden of cardiovascular disease, notably in the developing world; and
WHEREAS her business and communications skills have been continually put to the service of the World Heart Federation and she has regularly represented the organization as a speaker and/or moderator in such fora as the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, the OECD, the Clinton Global Initiative and many industry events; and
WHEREAS, through her understanding of the complex governance structure of an international non-governmental organization, she has ensured a constructive and effective working relationship between the Board and management; and
WHEREAS she has led the transformation of the World Heart Federation from a small secretariat into becoming the leading international non-governmental organization in the field of cardiovascular disease, after eight successful years she has decided that it is time to move on to new challenges,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we the World Heart Federation General Assembly express our deep appreciation of the very positive impact that Janet has had on the organization. We wish to thank Janet for her outstanding work that has contributed to grow the World Heart Federation into the successful organization that it is today.
Appointment of a new CEO
Since Janet’s departure on 31 May 2008, Craig Beam the World Heart Federation’s Treasurer has become interim CEO until a successor is appointed. Craig has long term experience with non-profit organizations. In addition to his business management expertise, he brings experience in financial management and fund raising. As interim CEO he will continue the focus on the mission of the World Heart Federation.
The search for a new CEO is underway and the Board hope to appoint a replacement by the end of the year.
