Regional Vice President of Compassion International for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Ian Hamilton has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Compassion U.K. since 2000. After visiting Uganda as a Trustee of Compassion U.K. in 1999, Ian felt compelled to get more involved. This desire is what led him to eventually assume the role of CEO.
In addition to maintaining his leadership as CEO at Compassion U.K., Ian accepted an expanded leadership role to serve as the Regional Vice President of Compassion International for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), in December 2014.
In this new role, Ian provides marketing and engagement leadership to the EMEA regions. Ian's long-time role as CEO of Compassion U.K. provides seasoned marketing and leadership experience within these regions, while his insight and influence are invaluable among Compassion's Global Partners.
Ian's vast marketing experience stems from his knowledgeable commercial background. His father was a pioneer of Christian Music in the U.K., and he followed in his footsteps. Ian became managing director of the Christian music company, Word, and after 17 years he established the Christian Music Company Alliance with two co-directors in 1993.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ian's family moved to London when he was just a child. He still lives in England and maintains residence in Kent with his wife Penny, of 35 years. Ian has four grown children and is a long suffering supporter of Watford Football Club. Another passion of Ian's is running. He has completed the London, New York and Dallas marathons.
If he had the chance, Ian would like his epitaph to read "he was a decent bloke who tried to do the right thing."