Saving Lives
Changing Lives

The World Food Programme (WFP) is governed by the WFP Executive Board, which consists of 36 Member States and provides intergovernmental support, direction and supervision of WFP’s activities.

The organization is headed by an Executive Director, who is appointed jointly by the UN Secretary-General and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The Executive Director is appointed for fixed five-year terms and is responsible for the administration of the organization as well as the implementation of its programmes, projects and other activities. Since April 2023, the post has been held by Cindy McCain.

WFP also has one Deputy Executive Director and four Assistant Executive Directors with specific briefs.

The organization's direction is mapped out in its Strategic Plan, which is renewed every four years. The 2022–25 Strategic Plan lays out WFP 's commitment to the 2030 Agenda, focusing on ending hunger, and the support the organization gives to the United Nations' efforts to help countries respond to the urgent needs of those furthest behind and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions for its funding. Its principal donors are governments, but the organization also receive donations from the private sector and individuals. 

Senior leadership

Cindy McCain - Executive Director
Cindy McCain is a distinguished humanitarian, business leader and diplomat with a career spanning four decades. A former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States Mission to the United Nations food and agriculture agencies in Rome, she has championed a wide range of causes focused on alleviating hunger and promoting sustainable development and peace. She has worked with frontline humanitarian programmes during her travels across world, including many run by WFP, and learned from people whose lives have been transformed by them.
Carl Skau - Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
Carl Skau is WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he leads the organization’s overall coordination, strategic direction, humanitarian diplomacy, and support for field operations. He also supports corporate efforts to maximize WFP’s inter-agency collaboration and partnerships.
Manoj Juneja - Assistant Executive Director and CFO
Manoj Juneja joined WFP in January 2013 and serves as Assistant Executive Director, Management, and Chief Financial Officer. Through his leadership of the Management Department, Mr Juneja is responsible for enabling WFP’s operations in the areas of finance, budget planning and programming, performance and risk management, technology, and management services, which includes asset, facilities and fleet management, and construction, engineering and environmental sustainability services. As Chief Financial Officer, Mr Juneja also provides insight on WFP’s performance and strategic orientation and ensures sound financial management.
Valerie N. Guarnieri - Assistant Executive Director
Valerie N. Guarnieri is Assistant Executive Director for Programme and Policy Development. In this role, she leads WFP’s work around the world to provide food, cash and technical assistance that helps people and nations to meet urgent needs, build resilience and improve food security. Global partnerships to empower women, support refugees and displaced populations, combat malnutrition and ensure that all hungry children benefit from nutritious school meals also fall under her leadership.
Ute Klamert - Assistant Executive Director
Ute Klamert became WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships & Advocacy in February 2019. In this role, Ms. Klamert oversees the organization's partnerships and resource mobilization activities with governments, UN agencies, private sector and other partners.
Joyce Kanyangwa Luma - Assistant Executive Director
Joyce Kanyangwa Luma has been Assistant Executive Director ad interim, Workplace Culture Department since May 2022 and prior to that she was WFP Director of Human Resources. The Workplace Culture Department (WP) leads efforts to create an optimal working environment at WFP. The department comprises the Human Resources Division, the Staff Wellness Division, the People and Culture Coordination Unit and the Diversity and Inclusion team. The department focuses on creating a workplace where all people can meet their fullest potential and embraces a more strategic approach to people management under the umbrella of the WFP People Policy.

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