Leadership Transition at SEEAC

We are sharing that Mariko Hayashi has stepped down from her role as Executive Director at the end of February, following a planned and thoughtful leadership transition. 

Mariko served as the Executive Director of SEEAC for five years, having first joined as a Board Director at the organisation’s incorporation in early 2020. She helped guide SEEAC from its earliest community‑led initiatives through its establishment and first years of steady organisational growth. Under her leadership, SEEAC has become a welcoming home for East and Southeast Asian migrants, refugees, and heritage communities in the UK, a place that builds resilience, strengthens solidarity, and creates space for collective care. Her tenure has laid strong foundations for the organisation’s next chapter.  

Over the past five years, SEEAC’s journey has been shaped by significant internal and external challenges, including the global pandemic, economic pressures, and shifting migration policies, and carried forward by deep relationships with community members, partners, and supporters. The launch of our 5-Year Impact Report in 2025 reflects this collective journey, honouring the stories and strength of the people at the heart of our work.  

The leadership transition is underway with careful consideration and process, and Co-Interim Executive Directors appointed internally will lead the organisation in the coming months to ensure continuity and stability until a permanent Executive Director is appointed. Mariko will remain involved in the organisation as a non-executive Board Director from March and will continue to support the interim leadership and the team through transition. 

Mariko shared:

“I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all our communities, partners, funders, and supporters for the trust, collaboration, and solidarity you have shown to SEEAC throughout my leadership. I am proud of what we have built together collectively, and I have full confidence in the strength, commitment, and vision of our team and our wider network of collaborators. The work we do together remains vital, and I hope you will continue to stand with SEEAC as the organisation grows into its next phase.” 

As SEEAC marks this moment of change, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported SEEAC over the past years, and we are deeply grateful for your continued trust and solidarity.