The Zimbabwe Democracy Trust (ZDT) was set up in the United Kingdom in April 2000 as a non-partisan pro-democracy group to campaign for the rights of Zimbabweans to live in civic peace and freedom. It was incorporated in the United States in July 2002 as a non-profit organization after its headquarters moved from London to Washington, D.C. in September 2002. In March 2003 the District of Columbia granted the ZDT charitable 501-C3 tax-exempt status.
ZDT Chairman - Lord Renwick of Clifton
Lord Renwick was advisor to Lord Carrington during the negotiations which ended the war in Rhodesia and political advisor to Lord Soames during the ceasefire and elections leading to the independence of Zimbabwe. He served subsequently as Ambassador to South Africa in the period leading to the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of the African National Congress. He received an honorary degree from the University of the Witwatersrand for his contribution to the struggle against apartheid. He served as Ambassador to the United States from 1991-1995. Lord Renwick subsequently became Deputy Chairman of the merchant bank, Robert Fleming, and is currently Vice-Chairman, Investment Banking for JPMorgan (Europe). Both banks have played a leading role in the attraction of new investment to Southern Africa. He serves on the boards of a number of companies with important interests in Southern Africa - SABMiller, BHPBilliton, Harmony Gold and Richemont. He was appointed to the House of Lords by Prime Minister Blair in 1997.
ZDT Executive Director - Annabel Hughes
Annabel is a Zimbabwean citizen who has run the ZDT since January 2001. With its initial focus concentrating primarily on London, she chose to spread the ZDT's advocacy to Brussels, Washington, New York and the Commonwealth. In September 2002 she relocated to Washington, D.C. after the ZDT's head office was moved to the United States. As Executive Director, Annabel oversees international strategy development, project management and fundraising. Her advocacy efforts focus mainly on the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Administration, the Washington- and New York-based NGO communities and church groups, as well as international institutions. She proactively builds the ZDT's networks in the hope of raising awareness of the Zimbabwean crisis to new constituencies around the world. Email: annabel@zimbabwedemocracytrust.org
Administrator - Mrs. Julie Doolittle
Julie, an American citizen and U.S. Congressman's wife, manages the ZDT's administrative and legal responsibilities. She brings an in-depth knowledge of the workings of government and the United States Congress to the organization, as well as a wealth of experience in fundraising. Julie is especially adept at bringing together bipartisan support for the charitable organizations with which she works. Email: julie@zimbabwedemocracytrust.org
Executive Assistant - Emma Rous
Emma, another Zimbabwean citizen, has worked with the ZDT since January 2002 and supports both the Washington and London offices. Based in London, her responsibilities also include managing and updating the ZDT website. Email: emma@zimbabwedemocracytrust.org
