Justin Byworth has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Christian aid agency World Vision UK.

Mr Byworth was appointed following a successful six-month stint as acting CEO and a series of extensive interviews with the Board Search Committee and the World Vision International President, Kevin Jenkins.

“Justin brings a wealth of experience of the development sector in both Britain and overseas,” he said. “There are many challenges ahead and the Board is confident that Justin has the skills, character and Christian maturity to provide inspiring leadership to World Vision UK for the years ahead.”

Since taking over from previous Chief Executive Charles Badenoch in May, Mr Byworth has overseen the recruitment of two new directors and renewed the focus on income generation to steer World Vision UK through the recession.

Upon receiving confirmation of his appointment, Mr Byworth stressed his commitment to working for the welfare of children in poverty worldwide.

"It is a privilege to lead World Vision - we are an extraordinary organisation pursuing a vision of a world where every child leads life to the full,” he said.

“I am convinced that over the years ahead we can make an ever bigger difference to the lives of children facing poverty and injustice in some of world’s poorest places, with a growing number of committed supporters here in the UK who share our passion and whose lives are also touched and changed as we pursue this vision together.

“I feel humbled by the way that God has called and equipped me to serve in this role."

Mr Byworth has worked in development for more than 20 years and with World Vision International in the UK, Asia and Africa. He previously headed World Vision’s office in Cambodia and currently serves on the Board of World Vision Italy and the Christian fairtrade organisation Traidcraft.

He is married to Mischka with four children. They worship at St Leonards Eynsham, near their home just west of Oxford.