ENAR Announces Leadership Transition as Kim Smouter Steps Down as Executive Director

Brussels, Belgium – 12 March 2025 – The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) announces that its Executive Director, Kim Smouter, will be stepping down from his role at the end of March 2025. 

Kim Smouter has led ENAR through a significant period of growth and transformation, reinforcing the organisation’s position as a leading voice in the fight against racism in Europe. Under his leadership, ENAR has strengthened its advocacy efforts, expanded partnerships, and solidified its commitment to defending human rights in an increasingly challenging political landscape. 

ENAR remains steadfast in its mission and is taking immediate steps to ensure a seamless leadership transition in a context where civil society organisations face heightened scrutiny and political pressures regarding their work, funding, and advocacy. 

ENAR’s Board has put in place an interim leadership structure that will coordinate the management team and support staff during this transition. At the same time, the Board will lead the recruitment process for a new Executive Director to ensure strong and strategic leadership for the organisation’s next chapter. 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Kim for his unwavering dedication and long-lasting contributions to ENAR. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating difficult challenges and positioning ENAR for the future,” said Nyanchama Okemwa, Chair of ENAR’s Board. “While transitions can be challenging, they are also a natural part of any organisation. ENAR remains resilient, focused, and committed to our mission. We will continue to work tirelessly with our network and partners to fight racism and discrimination across Europe.” 

Kim Smouter expressed confidence in ENAR’s ability to continue its work: “Leading ENAR has been an immense privilege, and I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together. The challenges ahead require strong and determined leadership, and I am confident that ENAR will continue to thrive with the unwavering commitment of its team, members, and allies in the fight to make racism history.” 

ENAR remains operational throughout this transition, and all advocacy and programmatic efforts will continue. ENAR thanks Kim once again for his tenure as Executive Director and wishes him success as he steps into his next challenge.

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For more information contact:     

Nabil Sanaullah, ENAR Communications and Press Manager  

Mobile: +32 (0)487 400 423 – Email: nabil@enar-eu.org – Web: www.enar–eu.org 

Notes to editors:    

• The European Network Against Racism (ENAR aisbl) stands against racism and discrimination and advocates equality and solidarity for all in Europe. We connect local and national anti-racist NGOs throughout Europe and voice the concerns of ethnic and religious minorities in European and national policy debate