David Simpson appointed ad interim Head of the IRM
Incheon, 2 November 2026 – The Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) welcomes Mr. David Simpson as its new ad interim (a.i.) Head, following his appointment by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board.
Under decision B.46/12, Mr. Simpson will serve as a.i. Head of the IRM from 1 December 2026, providing leadership to the IRM during the transition to a new permanent Head. The GCF Board made the appointment at its 46th Board meeting (B.46) on 29 October 2026.
David Simpson succeeds Sonja Derkum, who served as Head of the IRM from August 2023 to November 2026. During her tenure, Ms. Durkum led the IRM through an important period in the development of the mechanism and its work with affected communities, GCF stakeholder and the wider accountability community.
"The IRM plays a crucial role in delivering accountability at GCF by addressing concerns raised by people affected by GCF-funded projects and programmes,” said David Simpson. “I am honoured to have been entrusted by the Board with leading the IRM during this transition. Sonja has provided strong leadership to the mechanism over the past several years, and I look forward to building on that work alongside the IRM team. My priority will be to maintain IRM’s independence and effectiveness, provide continuity for our stakeholders, and support a smooth transition to the next permanent Head.”
Mr. Simpson previously served as Interim Head of the EBRD’s accountability mechanism and as Director of the Independent Recourse Mechanism of the African Development Bank.
GCF will also shortly launch the selection process for the next permanent IRM Head, in accordance with decision B.46/12.
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About the Independent Redress Mechanism
The Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) addresses complaints by people who believe they are negatively affected or may be affected by projects or programmes funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The IRM is independent of the GCF Secretariat and reports directly to the GCF Board. For more information about the IRM: https://irm.greenclimate.fund/about
Media contact
- Peter Carlson, Communications Specialist, IRM, pcarlson@gcfund.org