Executive Director IFEX
Ms Annie Game, Executive Director of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global network of organisations promoting and defending freedom of expression and information, will be stepping down at the end of 2022 while the current Deputy Executive Director, Ms Rachael Kay, will be moving into the role of Executive Director, beginning from January 1, 2023. Making her decision to step known to the IFEX Council, Ms Game explained that while her love and respect for the network remains absolute, over the last few years she has become increasingly involved with local group efforts engaging in environmental protection in her region. She intends to devote her time to this endeavour.
Making her decision known to the IFEX Council about her intention to leave, she explained that while her love and respect for the network remains absolute, over the last few years she has become increasingly involved with local group efforts engaging in environmental protection in her region. She intends to devote her time to this endeavour.
IFEX Deputy Executive Director, Rachael Kay, will be taking over the role of Executive Director so the transition will be seamless. Rachael and Annie have worked together for years and shared responsibility for providing the strategic vision, the clear communication of that vision, its oversight and implementation while upholding the integrity and agreed upon values of the organisation.
Annie’s approach is grounded in feminism, activism and social justice – and the deeply held beliefs that every meeting is made better with music that makes your feet want to move, creativity breaks through the noise, and wit wins. She has touched the IFEX community indelibly with her passion and steadfastness and everyone who knows her senses how deeply she cares for the people she works with and the cause of freedom of expression. In a context full of challenges and uncertainty, she has an amazing ability to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels seen… and to meet them where they are. Through her example, she taught people how to unapologetically call out injustices and hold power accountable without losing themselves in the process.
Her work is grounded in a keen understanding both of the power of words – and the dynamics of power. Annie has built a legacy where fun and work are synonymous… if you ask any member for an anecdote, they would talk about the laughs they’ve shared but also the lessons they’ve learned together. The IFEX network could not be where it is today without her incredible leadership and friendship.
Annie leaves the IFEX, after 16 years at the helm, in an extremely healthy state, ready to take on the challenges of increasingly volatile times for freedom of expression.
Rachael, who takes over, brings all the requisite skills, experience and talents to continue providing the robust leadership necessary to meet the myriad situations facing the network.
