The global fight against modern slavery is entering a new leadership chapter with the appointment of Havovi Wadia as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Freedom Fund. Effective 1 December 2026, Wadia will succeed outgoing CEO Nick Grono and lead one of the world’s foremost organisations dedicated to ending modern slavery and supporting survivors globally.
A seasoned development professional with over two decades of experience, Wadia has built her career around strengthening community-led organisations, advancing social justice, and creating sustainable systems for long-term change. Since joining the Freedom Fund in 2021 as Managing Director of Programs, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and implementation of its ambitious 2030 strategy.
Before her tenure at the Freedom Fund, Wadia served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mumbai-based Vipla Foundation, where she led organisational transformation and strategic growth initiatives. Before that, she held senior leadership positions at Magic Bus, where she worked extensively on programme impact, fundraising, child protection, and organisational development.
Wadia’s professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to working with underserved communities and addressing structural inequalities. Her expertise spans programme leadership, philanthropy, organisational strategy, and policy engagement, with a particular focus on empowering frontline organisations and ensuring that affected communities remain at the centre of decision-making processes.
In addition to her leadership roles, Wadia serves as a Commissioner on the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, contributing to international efforts to address exploitation and strengthen global responses to modern slavery.
Educated at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where she pursued studies in English Literature and Women’s Studies, Wadia began her professional career in education—an experience she has often cited as foundational to her leadership philosophy of listening, collaboration, and community engagement.
As the Freedom Fund advances its mission to combat modern slavery through community-driven and survivor-centred approaches, Havovi Wadia’s appointment signals a continued emphasis on strengthening frontline leadership, building strategic partnerships, and advancing long-term systemic change.
