Monique Villa to step down as CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Antonio Zappulla announced as her successor

Announced she is to step down from the helm of the a position she has held for 11 years. Antonio Zappulla ecutive Officer by the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Currently Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, he will take up his new role when Monique leaves in April 2019.

Under Monique’s leadership, the Foundation has been transformed into a global human rights organisation and a thought leader in the fields of anti-slavery, women’s rights and land and property rights. Since taking over the Foundation in 2008, she has launched a number oes to trigger change and empower people all over the world; most notably the Foundation’s global pro bono legal programme which has generated n in free legal support to NGOs and social enterprises globally, the world’s leading antilavery and human rights forum held annnd the uilt an award-winning team of journalists covering the world’s as well as focused both on strengthlly and wo.

Monique will stay closely associated with Thomson Reuters and become Special Advisor to the President and CEO of Thomson Reuters.

Monique Villa said: “My 11 years at the Foundation have been a story of growth and it has been my best job ever, finding ways to give a voice to the voiceless, to make a real impact in spreading the rule of law worldwide and fostering quality journalism around the world. The way all our programs work together has maximised our impact. I have also built a first-class team that I will miss, but I am so proud that Antonio Zappulla will succeed me, pushing further all our work. He has a strong personality, is driven by
purpose and I have no doubt he will be a complete success.”

Antonio joined the Thomson Reuters Foundation six years ago from Bloomberg Television where he was Executive Producer of a series of award-winning news documentaries. In 2014 he was promoted from Director of Communications to Director of Strategy and Communications, and appointed COO in 2016 overseeing Communications, Development and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Antonio Zappulla said: “I am thrilled and excited. The Thomson Reuters Foundation is an incredible organisation that has achieved tremendous impact in the past decade under

Monique’s leadership. I am keen to preserve the great legacy of her work whilst also ensuring that we continue to innovate and grow, enlisting new partners and seizing strategic opportunities along the way. I look forward to driving the next stage of the Foundation’s evolution, and its focus on human rights.”

Jim Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Reuters, said:
“Monique’s stellar leadership, flair, passion and focus have transformed the Thomson Reuters Foundation into a world-renowned human rights organisation. She has created so much impact that has left a lasting legacy. Whilst she will be very much missed, there is no better-placed successor than Antonio Zappulla, whose drive, commitment and creative mind have been demonstrated as COO. I look forward to the next exciting phase for the Foundation, and to seeing the success of its ever-expanding work.”

David Binet, CEO of Woodbridge and Chairman of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, said: “Monique has led the Foundation with bold instincts and a fearless determination, aiming high and consistently prioritising action: no challenge has been too great, no border too far, and her achievements reflect her courage, passion and determination. In Antonio, we have a dynamic, young, yet experienced leader who can build on her great work whilst forging new paths for the Foundation.”

About the Thomson Reuters Foundation:

The Thomson Reuters Foundation acts to promote the highest standards in journalism and spread the practice of legal pro bono worldwide. The organisation runs initiatives that inform, connect and empower people around the world: access to free legal assistance, editorial coverage of the world’s under-reported news, media development and training, and the