Ottawa, CANADA – Nutrition International is pleased to announce the appointment of Masood Ahmed as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Ahmed is a veteran member of the Board and has held the position of Vice-Chair for nearly five years.  

“Masood’s passion for nutrition as a driver of development, combined with his extensive experience and expertise in economics and international development, will help guide Nutrition International’s next phase of global impact” said Joel Spicer, President and CEO of Nutrition International. “In a time of global disruption and disorder, having a veteran of the multilateral system like Masood as our next Chair wilI help ensure we are fit for purpose, able to adapt, and focused on creating the greatest good possible for the people we serve.” 

Masood Ahmed is an economist with extensive experience in international development and economic policy. He has held key leadership roles in major financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. In January 2023, he received a knighthood from the United Kingdom (UK) government for his services to international development. 

“I am honoured to be stepping into the role of Chair of the Board,” said Ahmed. “Having worked across numerous development issues in my career, I have seen firsthand the detrimental impact malnutrition has on children, on their potential and on societies. Good nutrition is a cornerstone for human development and fundamental for a prosperous future. We have the tools and knowledge to tackle malnutrition and the resolve to continue this work. I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team of experts at Nutrition International as we stand alongside governments and partners to drive forward our shared vision, ensuring that more people, in more places, have access to the nutrition they need to not only survive, but also to thrive.”   

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service, having held several positions, David de Ferranti will be stepping down as Chair of the Board.  

“David has been an architect, mentor and guide in the evolution of Nutrition International,” said Spicer. “He leaves behind a legacy of having created a unique and high-performing global institution in the fight against malnutrition. The magic, however, is that he did this with great patience, kindness and integrity.  We thank him for his service and dedication as our Chair, both to the cause and to the organization and its staff over the years.”  

“It has been an honour to serve on Nutrition International’s Board, alongside the committed and driven Board and staff,” says De Ferranti. “I have seen the organization evolve in many ways over the years, but amidst change, Nutrition International remains steadfast in its mission to end malnutrition. Now, more than ever, this remains critical to ensure we continue to work towards a world where everyone, everywhere can reach their full potential. Masood’s extensive experience, stewardship and guidance will be crucial to continuing Nutrition International’s mission, particularly in these uncertain times. I am thrilled Masood is taking on the role of Chair and I look forward to seeing the impact his influence will have on the organization as we move forward.”  

For more than 30 years, Nutrition International has been dedicated to ending malnutrition around the world. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Nutrition International’s global Board of Directors includes former heads of state and leaders in philanthropy, academia, think-tanks, advocacy and impact investing. Together, the board drives efforts to assist the organization in supporting the delivery of evidence-based, high-impact and cost-effective interventions that produce measurable results for millions of people worldwide. 

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