IFLA Secretary General Gerald Leitner Released From His Duties

From International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA)

The Secretary General Gerald Leitner from his duties with immediate effect. This solution was found after legal clarification and is in the opinion of the Governing Board, the only possible solution to the current situation. In December and January, two different and independent firms investigated the work at IFLA’s headquarters (HQ) in The Hague based on a formal complaint.

Current staff and some former staff members were interviewed, in confidence, and the Secretary General was also heard. The result led the Governing Board (GB) in two extraordinary meetings in February and March to the intention to end the cooperation with Gerald Leitner. At present, the consultations regarding the termination of the contract have not yet been concluded.

Secretary General and interim

The work overload of the IFLA HQ, the lack of management capacity and the upcoming World Congress in Dublin in a few months have led the GB to appoint Halo Locher (Switzerland), a member of the GB, to take over some of the duties of the Secretary General with immediate effect until the recruitment of a new Secretary General. The GB is convinced that he has the skills and capacity to manage the situation together with the Deputy Secretary General, and IFLA staff, to ensure the Congress in Dublin is a success.

Changes to the Governing Board

President-elect Antonia Arahova (Greece) is stepping down with immediate effect for urgent family matters, which will probably last a long period. According to IFLA statues (article 15.6) the GB has arranged that her duties will be temporarily covered by Nthabiseng Kotsokoane (South Africa). Perry Moree (Netherlands) as Treasurer, has stated that he can no longer combine his IFLA tasks with his daily job as CEO in the Netherlands. His function will be temporarily covered by Kirsten Boelt (Denmark). Both decisions to cover these duties were taken by the GB unanimously and in accordance with the Statutes. They are limited in time until the election process is completed, which will start immediately. GB would like to thank both Antonia and Perry for their dedication to IFLA and wish them both well.

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