Leadership & Trustees

Born in Egypt, Dr Hany El-Banna completed his MBBCH Medicine at Al Azhar University, Cairo and a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in foetal pathology from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 1991.

Dr Hany El-Banna is the founder of Islamic Relief, the largest Western-based Muslim international relief and development NGO. He has visited over 80 countries and 370 cities to relieve suffering and build understanding.

Dr El-Banna has received numerous recognitions for his humanitarian contributions, including:

• Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility (2020)
• GPU Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
• Honorary Doctorate from the University of Birmingham (2007)
• Muslim Power 100 Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
• Asian Jewel Awards (2006)
• Hamilton Bailey Prize, Birmingham (1981)

Director and Trustee for The Humanitarian Forum for 11 years with over 35 years’ experience in humanitarian assistance and sustainable development, primarily in Africa and Asia at both operational and strategic levels.

Adam has held key roles including Regional Director at Oxfam and CEO of multiple cross-sector NGOs. He now advises foundations and commercial organisations and consults on aid evaluations globally.

Saleh has led the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) since 2012, coordinating responses to major global crises, including Syria, Yemen, and COVID-19. Under his leadership, DEC has raised over £523 million across 11 appeals.

His career spans leadership roles in NGOs and public sector collaborations in the UK. Saleh received an OBE in 2013 and an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in 2019.

He is a co-founder of the Yemeni Community Association and serves as Vice-Chair of the Emergencies Appeals Alliance.