[Re-posted from the CGIAR website: http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/cgiar-announces-elwyn-grainger-jones-as-new-executive-director]
PARIS, FRANCE (09 August 2016) – CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research for development partnership, today announced the appointment of Elwyn Grainger-Jones as Executive Director of the CGIAR System Organization – a pivotal part of the CGIAR System charged with overseeing the development and implementation of CGIAR’s Strategy and Results Framework.
A British national, Mr. Grainger-Jones brings more than 20 years’ experience and expertise in development, agriculture and climate change to the CGIAR partnership including previous positions at the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank. He will assume the role effective 03 October 2016 and be based at the CGIAR System Management Office in Montpellier, France, where CGIAR is hosted as an International Organization.
“The challenges facing our planet are daunting. Sustainable development simply cannot be achieved without profound transformation of our agricultural and food systems,” says Martin Kropff, Interim Chair of the CGIAR System Management Board, the governing body of the System Organization, and Director General of CIMMYT, a CGIAR Research Center. “With Mr. Grainger-Jones at the helm of the System Management Office supporting the CGIAR System Organization, CGIAR’s 15 Research Centers will more than ever play a key role in addressing these challenges head on.”
CGIAR has a proven track record of delivering innovative, cost effective solutions to the world’s most complex development challenges – including new ways of addressing global hunger, poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation through world-class science that identifies the most effective path to tackling these challenges, in a way that national governments and regional partners can translate into on-the-ground action for improved prosperity. Supported by dedicated strategic funders worldwide, CGIAR’s research is directly aligned with and contributes to achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
An economist by training, Mr. Grainger-Jones is a dynamic leader and team-worker who brings a wealth of experience, talent and strength, having played a leading role in establishing the World Bank’s Climate Investment Funds and IFAD’s Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Program.
“In the face of increased and complex risks posed by climate change, the world needs CGIAR more than ever,” commented the newly appointed CGIAR System Organization Executive Director, Elwyn Grainger-Jones. “I am delighted to be part of the leadership team helping this incredibly important global partnership catalyze a second green revolution that unlocks the urgent need and potential for food systems to tackle poverty, improve nutrition, boost productivity, and sustain the planet’s fragile ecosystem. CGIAR’s unique role and fantastic technical and convening capabilities are essential in tackling these profound and interconnected challenges.”