Online retailer’s exec joins UNHCR board

board-member-zoe-ghaniThe Iconic’s chief technology officer Zoe Ghani has been appointed to the UNHCR Australia board.

Ghani leads the online fashion and sportswear retailer’s tech and customer experience strategy.

The retail executive arrived in Australia from Afghanistan as a refugee in the 1980s and has since taken an active interest in UNHCR’s humanitarian work.

“Coming from a refugee background myself, I believe in supporting others who have lost their homes,” said Ghani.

“In 2006 I was lucky enough to visit a repatriation housing project in Afghanistan which was funded by Australian donors through Australia for UNHCR. My husband and I met many people who benefited from this, and since then I’ve followed the organisation’s work closely.

“We are living in a digital world where everyone is connected to what they care about most in new and different ways. I am hoping I can lend my years of digital and business strategy working within tech to the Australia for UNHCR team to help the ongoing evolution of their already successful digital donor experience, and ensure the great work of Australia for UNHCR continues to be amplified via digital.”

Ghani is the seventh member of Australia for UNHCR’s board, which also includes representatives from the media, arts and culture, financial, legal and sporting sectors.

“Technology plays a critical role in UNHCR’s emergency humanitarian operations globally and our fundraising activities across Australia, so I’m delighted to welcome Zoe to our Board,” said national director of Australia for UNHCR, Naomi Steer.

“Her digital insight will play a valuable role in the governance of our organisation, as will her firsthand knowledge of the refugee experience and UNHCR’s work.”

In 2016, Australia for UNHCR raised $33.9m to support UNHCR’s global humanitarian work. This supported emergency aid and longer term care for refugees and other populations displaced by conflict in countries such as Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen.

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