Human rights advocate Brandee M. Butler appointed next CEO of IHRB
15 May 2025
Brandee M. Butler, a trained lawyer, human rights advocate, and philanthropic strategist, has been named as IHRB’s next CEO.
Brandee will take up her position towards the end of this year, succeeding IHRB’s founding CEO, John Morrison, who has led the organisation since 2009.
With over two decades of experience working to advance human rights globally, Brandee most recently held leadership roles as Deputy and Interim CEO at the Fund for Global Human Rights and Director of the Civil Liberties Division at the Open Society Initiative for Europe. She brings a wealth of knowledge in business and human rights having led transformative initiatives as the Head of Human Rights and Gender Justice at the C&A (now Laudes) Foundation and as Program Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at the Levi Strauss Foundation. Brandee currently serves on the board of Just Associates (JASS), a feminist movement-building organisation, and chairs the Advisory Board of Ariadne, a European network of human rights and social justice funders.
As IHRB’s CEO, Brandee will lead the organisation’s next phase of growth and impact. She will work closely with the team and trustees to shape strategic direction, strengthen operational management and financial health, and expand strategic partnerships with the organisation’s key stakeholders across the globe.
I’m excited to be joining IHRB, an organisation I’ve long admired for its bold thought leadership and ability to inspire collective action on some of the world’s most critical human rights issues. As communities around the world face profound and intersecting human rights challenges, more than ever, business leaders have a responsibility to actively contribute to solutions. I am honoured to work with IHRB’s committed team and partners to make respect for human rights not just a principle, but a core part of everyday business.
Brandee M. Butler, IHRB’s incoming CEO
I’m very pleased to welcome Brandee Butler to the team, a leader whose values, energy and expertise are a perfect match for our next stage of growth. It’s been a true privilege and joy to work alongside John Morrison, whose vision and leadership have shaped the culture and mission of IHRB. I am grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and excited for this new chapter of the organisation.
Julia Batho, IHRB’s Deputy CEO
We are delighted to welcome Brandee Butler as IHRB’s incoming CEO. Brandee brings with her many years of experience in different areas of the human rights field, and as trustees we look forward to working with her when she takes up the appointment later in the year. We are deeply grateful to John Morrison for all his achievements as founder and CEO over the past 16 years. He will leave a deep, wide-ranging and highly successful legacy, which Brandee and the IHRB team can take forward and build on.
Ron Popper and Deanna Kemp, Co-chairs of IHRB’s Board of Trustees
I am very happy to welcome Brandee as the new CEO of IHRB. She brings new energy, insights and networks that will guide IHRB to the next level of impact. I look forward to working with Brandee over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition, and I wish her and my colleagues success in the important work ahead.
John Morrison, IHRB’s founding CEO
More about Brandee M. Butler
Brandee has spoken and published widely on topics including civic space, climate justice, structural racism, modern slavery, gender-based violence, and supply chain transparency.
Early in her career, Brandee was awarded the Yale Law School Bernstein Fellowship for International Human Rights, and worked in Gabon with UNICEF to combat child trafficking in West and Central Africa. She went on to practice law at the Alliance for Children’s Rights and funded human rights and international justice initiatives as a Program Officer at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Brandee earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Harvard University and her JD from Yale Law School, and is based in Barcelona.
