Governance and leadership
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 2017, the post has been held by David Beasley.
WFP also has five Deputy 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.
Executive Board
Senior leadership
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David Beasley - Executive Director
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In a public service and business career that spans more than four decades, David Beasley, a former governor of the US state of South Carolina, has worked across political, religious and ethnic lines to champion economic development, education, interfaith cooperation and humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable – not just within the United States, but across the globe.
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Manoj Juneja - Deputy Executive Director and CFO
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Manoj Juneja joined WFP in January 2013 and serves as Deputy 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.
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Valerie N. Guarnieri - Deputy Executive Director
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Valerie N. Guarnieri is Deputy 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.
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Ute Klamert - Deputy Executive Director
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Ute Klamert became WFP Deputy 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.
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Joyce Kanyangwa Luma - Deputy Executive Director
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Joyce Kanyangwa Luma has been Deputy 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 .
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Ramiro Lopes da Silva - Deputy Executive Director
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Ramiro Armando de Oliveira Lopes da Silva has been appointed to lead ad interim the newly formed Supply Chain and Emergencies Department at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). With over 35 years of humanitarian operational experience, Ramiro was an Assistant Executive Director of WFP from March 2010 until his retirement in December 2017.
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Robert Turner - Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer
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After a diverse career spanning over three decades in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, Robert (Bob) Turner currently serves as the WFP Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he oversees and manages operational support to WFP regional bureaux and country offices. In addition, he works closely with Senior leadership to ensure that WFP delivers on its priorities.