Former Oxfam Canada executive director Robert Fox is the NDP’s new national director, the party announced in a press release Monday afternoon.

“I’m excited to be coming on board during an important period of renewal,” Fox says in the announcement. “There’s a great deal of work ahead as we engage our members and connect with Canadians across the country about our shared values and the kind of country we want to build together.”

Fox, who served as executive director of the development organization’s Canadian branch between 2005 and 2014, was the the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ director of communications before that and former Ottawa Mayor Marion Dewar’s chief of staff in the 1980s.

He began his work at national headquarters in Ottawa on Monday.

Fox succeeds Karl Bélanger, who replaced Anne McGrath on an interim basis in January after McGrath became deputy chief of staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

“We’re so honored to have Robert take on this important work,” party President Marit Stiles is quoted in the press release.

“He has the passion, instincts, and experience that I believe will help our Party engage our base of energized supporters, carry out a successful leadership race, and build the excellent team we need in order to prepare for the next federal election.”