The 18th High Council of The Salvation Army elected André Cox as the 20th General of the organization on 3 August 2013. Serving as the chief executive officer during his five-year term, he provided leadership until his retirement in 2018. His career within the organization spanned several decades of administrative and territorial responsibilities across multiple continents.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1954 in Harare, then known as Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, Cox is the son of Commissioner Ron Cox. His father served as the 17th Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army between 1987 and 1991. Spending his formative years in Southern Rhodesia and the United Kingdom, he eventually relocated to Switzerland, where he married Silvia Cox, née Volet. He holds citizenship in both Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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Commissioned as an officer on 25 May 1979, he initially served as a corps officer in Switzerland. His administrative roles expanded significantly in 2005 when he became the territorial commander for Finland and Estonia. In October 2008, he transitioned to lead the Southern Africa Territory, overseeing operations in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, and the islands of St Helena. He later spent six months leading the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.
Leadership of The Salvation Army
In February 2013, he assumed the role of Chief of the Staff, occupying the same position previously held by his father. Following the unexpected retirement of General Linda Bond in June 2013, he functioned as Acting General. By 3 August 2013, the High Council officially elected him as the 20th General. He maintained this chief executive capacity for exactly five years, concluding his tenure on 3 August 2018, when Brian Peddle succeeded him.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Harare
- Citizenship: Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Commissioned as Officer: 25 May 1979
- Chief of the Staff: 1 February 2013 to 3 August 2013
- Elected 20th General: 3 August 2013
- Retired: 3 August 2018
Questions readers ask
What was his highest position in The Salvation Army?
He served as the 20th General of The Salvation Army from 2013 until 2018.
Did he follow his father into organizational leadership?
Yes, he served as Chief of the Staff from February to August 2013, a role his father, Commissioner Ron Cox, held from 1987 to 1991.
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