Emma Hanley

Director for Global Philanthropy

ActionAid

Profile:

Emma is Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships (Asia) for ActionAid International, based in Bangkok, Thailand. ActionAid is a global movement of people working together in over 45 countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas to further human rights for all and defeat poverty. She brings more than 10 years’ experience working with high net worth individuals, companies and trusts and foundations in the not-for-profit sector. She has held positions in a range of organisations, from national level charities to international NGOs, and is passionate about the role that private philanthropy can play in addressing social issues.

Emma joined ActionAid in 2013 to set up the Asia High Value Hub, a new programme designed to develop strategic high value partnerships in new markets in the Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong and Singapore, to increase the impact of ActionAid's work to further human rights and fight poverty. This has included establishing partnerships with Microsoft and the Prudence Foundation and contributing to philanthropy events and publications in the region, including Hubbis’s 2014 ‘Guide to Wealth Planning’.

Prior to joining ActionAid, Emma worked for over four years with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas), the world’s leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty around the world, based in both London and Bangkok. This included heading up the Major Donor Programme at VSO UK, working with individuals and family foundations and establishing VSO UK’s first strategic philanthropy fund.

A graduate of University College Cork, Emma holds a Master’s Degree in English Literature and a Higher Diploma in Marketing and Management. She has also served as a trustee of RESULTS UK, a small advocacy charity that is part of a global network working to end hunger and extreme poverty around the world. 

The latest articles from Emma Hanley

Wealth Solutions & Wealth Planning

Asian appetite for philanthropy spurs new methods As philanthropy grows in popularity among Asia's wealthy, they are taking a more structured and professional approach. This is driving initiatives that combine investment, financing and philanthropy, says Emma Hanley, head of philanthropy and partnerships at ActionAid International in Asia..