New Delhi, Apr 2 (IANS): Oxfam India on Monday announced the appointment of Amitabh Behar as Chief Executive Officer of the organisation that fights against inequality, poverty and injustice and is involved in humanitarian work in the country.

Behar succeeds Nisha Agrawal, who was the founding CEO of Oxfam India and headed the organisation since March 2008.

Behar, a former Executive Director of National Foundation for India, is an expert on people-centred advocacy and chairs organisational boards of Amnesty International India, Navsarjan and Yuva. He has an M.Phil in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

An Oxfam statement said he was selected after an "extensive and transparent process, led by the board chair of Oxfam India Kiran Karnik, with the help of a prominent executive search firm".

"I welcome Amitabh as the new CEO of Oxfam India. In an outstanding field of candidates, Amitabh stood out as exemplifying Oxfam's values and ambitions. He brings grass-roots knowledge, passion and clear vision coupled with his commitment to social justice, and leadership, which has inspired many," Karnik said.