Announcement from ICRISAT Governing Board Chair: Incoming Director General at ICRISAT

On behalf of the ICRISAT Governing Board, I am announcing a change in plans for the future Director General. I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes as incoming Director General for ICRISAT. She will be able to join us soon.

A natural leader and experienced researcher, Dr Hughes, a British national, holds invaluable insight to the world of agricultural science, research and development. Throughout her career, she has taken on ever more challenging roles, having risen through the ranks of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria, moving then to the position of Deputy Director General for Research at the World Vegetable Center in Taiwan, before assuming her most recent role as Deputy Director General for Research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Her work and that of the teams which she has led has delivered significant impact across Africa and Asia, improving the livelihoods of some of the poorest communities. She has gained invaluable insight into the world of international agricultural research, overseeing a diverse number of programes encompassing numerous issues such as strategic innovation, sustainable impact and cross-cutting research support. It is this record of dedication, drive and accomplishment that makes her the perfect leader to champion the path forward for ICRISAT as we navigate through and adapt to the new context of One CGIAR. Her passion for our work combined with her experience across Asia and Africa are among the reasons why we have chosen Dr Hughes to lead and deliver results for the Institution, the One CGIAR and the communities that we serve.

I look forward to working with her and the wider team in our continued efforts to fulfil our vision of creating a prosperous food-secure and resilient dryland tropics.

I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation to Dr Peter Carberry for his commitment to the Institute and ensuring continuity of leadership, as we work towards delivering our mission and navigating through developments to become ‘One CGIAR’. He will continue to lead the Institute until 23 April 2020.

The Governing Board and Management are working on a transition plan. I can assure you that work on the ground continues with business as usual and strong commitment and focus from staff and management. ICRISAT is always highly appreciative of our investors and partners and we wish to thank them for their commitment in advising and collaborating with us to help the people of the semi-arid tropics across Africa and Asia.

Yours sincerely

Dr Paco Sereme
ICRISAT Governing Board Chair