Daniel Holder

Mr Holder, who has served as deputy director of the NGO since 2011, succeeds Brian Gormally, who also joined CAJ in 2011 and is retiring at the end of March after more than a decade in the post.

Prior to joining CAJ, Mr Holder worked in the policy team of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) for five years. He also previously led a migrant worker equality project and has additional experience working in Havana, Cuba, as a language professional.

He has a primary degree in Spanish and Sociology, as well an LLM in human rights law, both from Queen’s University Belfast.

As CAJ director, Mr Holder will provide strategic leadership over the NGO’s work in Northern Ireland to promote justice and protect rights.

Current areas of focus for CAJ, which was established in 1981, include policing, legacy proposals, immigration law, equality law, and combating prejudice.

Mr Gormally said: “Daniel and I have worked together closely for more than a decade. I have every confidence that CAJ will advance to even higher levels of excellence and effectiveness under his leadership.”

Anna Bryson, chair of the CAJ executive board, said: “Finding a replacement for Brian Gormally was one of the most significant challenges our board has faced to date.

“We are extremely fortunate to have recruited someone with the skills, experience, and vision necessary to build on his legacy and lead on the defence of human rights.

“On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Daniel Holder as our new director and look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”