CSW has announced changes to its executive leadership, with Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas starting a new role as Founder President and Chief Operating Officer Scot Bower becoming the new CEO.
After dedicating over 40 years to the work of CSW, for 21 years as Chief Executive and 20 years as Board Chair, Mervyn Thomas, who was made a CMG in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List, will continue in his advocacy and ambassadorial role as Founder President of the organisation.
Scot Bower joined CSW in 2015 as Communications and Fundraising Director and became Chief Operating Officer in 2016. He has a background in charity leadership, having previously held director-level positions at 24-7 Prayer and The Sailors’ Society. CSW’s Board of Trustees are unanimous in their belief that he is the right person to take forward CSW’s vital work in advocating for the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
David Taylor, Chair of CSW’s Board of Trustees said: “The Trustees have been incredibly impressed with Scot’s leadership of CSW as COO, especially during these last few challenging months. Since the day Scot started with us it has been clear that he is as passionate as Mervyn that as Christians we should speak up for persecuted people of all faiths. It has been also clear for some time that he would one day take over as CEO. We are confident that he is perfectly placed to lead CSW as we embark on a new and exciting season, and that God will continue to bless the work as we continue to place our trust in Him. At the same time, the board is hugely grateful to Mervyn for all that he has meant to CSW over the years and we look forward to working with him in this new chapter.”
CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: “Last year we celebrated CSW’s 40th anniversary, and as a founder of the organisation I have been around for every one of those eventful years. In that time we have seen major advances in the promotion of the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide; I have seen prisoners released, discriminatory laws challenged and witnessed CSW become an authoritative and highly respected voice for the right to freedom of religion or belief for all, and the only advocacy NGO with consultative status at the UN specialising solely in this field. Since Scot became COO, I have been released to do more of what God has called me to do and feel in my heart that the last forty years have been preparation for the coming season. I have every confidence that Scot is the man to steer CSW into the next phase of our work and I look forward to supporting him fully in my role as Founder President."
CSW’s Chief Operating Officer Scot Bower said: “It is a huge privilege to be invited to lead CSW at this critical time. In countries around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities for many of the religious communities we work alongside. Communities which were already marginalised are facing even greater risk during this crisis, and our advocacy for justice and freedom is now more important than ever. I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store during this next chapter as CSW builds on a tremendous 40-year legacy and an international reputation as a powerful ally for all who face injustice because of their religion or belief. We will expand our reach internationally, listening to and being guided by our teams on the ground, and we will continue to stand with all who need our help.”