The Clean Air Fund, a philanthropic organisation working globally to empower funders, researchers, policymakers and campaigners to deliver clean air for all, has expanded its team with the arrival of Sean Maguire as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications and Sue Wixley as Head of Communications.

The Fund launched in 2019 at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit and has raised more than $50 million to date from funders focused on climate change, health, mobility and children.

‘It’s great to welcome Sean and Sue on board our growing and committed team. Their arrival strengthens our capacity to deliver on our mission to tackle air pollution and improve and save lives,’ said Jane Burston, Clean Air Fund’s Executive Director. ‘2021 will be an important year for us. The case for cleaning up our air is more compelling than ever. We urgently need to build political will, and identify and invest in innovative, scalable solutions through our partners and network.’

Maguire joins the Clean Air Fund from Plan International where he was Executive Director of Global Influence and Partnerships. He has a background in global advocacy, strategic communications and journalism, with expertise in rights-based campaigning, government affairs and international development.

‘Dirty air kills more than 7 million people a year and the issue is not yet being taken significantly seriously. I’m looking forward to helping build broad, ambitious alliances to tackle the problem,’ commented Maguire.

Wixley, joining the Fund as Head of Communications, was previously at the health think tank, Future Care Capital. She has worked in international development and human rights.

‘I am thrilled to be joining the Clean Air Fund and to have the opportunity to work at the heart of global efforts to clean up the air that we breathe,’ said Wixley.