Visionary leader and strategist for social justice Belathar will bring deep experience to the challenges ahead in Corporate Accountability’s work to dismantle corporate power
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – Today, after an extensive, global, and months long search, Corporate Accountability’s Board of Directors announced the hire of Ari Belathar as the organization’s new Executive Director. Ari (they/them) brings abundant campaign experience, leadership skills, and a strong vision to the role. Stepping into this position this February, they will support Corporate Accountability in deepening its impact—especially as the organization continues to put movement power and resources behind Global South-led campaigns.
Belathar got their start as a student activist in Mexico, defending their university from a privatization attempt. During the student strike, they helped establish Mexico’s first community radio station. Their work on a daily news show as the only openly queer radio host in Latin America at that time made them a target of the Mexican army. They were persecuted, imprisoned, and tortured—and eventually forced to flee Mexico as a refugee. Since then, they have devoted their life to working toward social justice and human rights.
Ari has worked on and led a range of campaigns, including challenging Coca-Cola’s exploitation of local water resources in Mexico—abuses which exacerbated water scarcity and threatened the livelihoods of Indigenous and rural communities. They also worked on campaigns in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico challenging the environmental and human rights abuses of Canadian mining corporations. They led a campaign challenging Hewlett Packard’s multifaceted role in Israel’s violent oppression of Palestinians. They also have experience organizing urgent-action human rights campaigns and mobilizing resistance to government and corporate policies responsible for widespread poverty.
Ari has managed diverse teams that spanned locations and time zones. Most recently, they served as the executive director of the Boston Cyclists Union, where during a time of organizational change, they ensured its financial and operational stability.
Board Chair Akinbode Oluwafemi said, “As a Board, we appreciate the specificity and depth of Ari’s political analysis. We were also inspired by their vision for Corporate Accountability to be a force for democracy and justice. Ari understands the power dynamics that underpin systemic racism and oppression, and this informs their collaborative, compassionate approach to leadership.
I’m also pleased that we’ll keep a strong thread of continuity in this transitional time as outgoing Executive Director Patti Lynn stays at Corporate Accountability in a new role. She will move fully into campaigning and fundraising to support and build power behind our mission.”
Outgoing Executive Director Patti Lynn said, “Corporate Accountability is meeting this political moment with all the lessons, tools, and successes of our long history of holding corporations accountable. Ari’s leadership will be a powerful force in expanding and shaping our impact in the months and years ahead. I am excited for the impact we will have together behind Ari’s vision and leadership, in relationship with our longstanding allies, members, and global activists who are committed to harnessing their power to build a world where all beings can thrive.”
Newly appointed Executive Director Ari Belathar said, “I am deeply inspired by Corporate Accountability’s vision of a world where human need is put before corporate greed. It is an honor to join such a talented and dedicated team, whose unwavering commitment to justice and dignity drives impactful change every day. With a focus on visionary leadership, I am excited to bring my passion and skills to build on the organization’s dynamic work and lead us forward with creativity and purpose into our shared future.”
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Corporate Accountability stops transnational corporations from devastating democracy, trampling human rights, and destroying our planet. For more information go to www.corporateaccountability.org.