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Board of Trustees

Functions

The CIMMYT Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s mission and ensuring its success. The Board is responsible for setting the objectives and overall strategic direction of CIMMYT. This includes reviewing and approving the Center’s strategy, business plan, and annual budget.

In addition to these strategic responsibilities, the Board closely monitors a range of metrics to assess the Center’s management and performance. A critical function of the Board is the appointment and oversight of the Director General, ensuring that CIMMYT’s leadership aligns with its goals and values, and drives the organization toward impactful outcomes.

Members of the CIMMYT Board of Trustees are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. They act with integrity and in good faith, always prioritizing CIMMYT’s best interests. In every decision and action, Board members adhere strictly to all applicable policies, rules, procedures, and legal requirements.

Beyond their ethical obligations, Board members are expected to engage actively, responsibly, and constructively in the Board’s work. Their participation is crucial in guiding CIMMYT’s mission and ensuring the organization’s continued impact and success on a global scale.

Organization and structure

CIMMYT’s Board of Trustees is composed of a distinguished group of globally recognized experts, each bringing a wealth of experience across a wide range of disciplines. The Board members collectively represent a diverse array of expertise, including agricultural science, development policy, financial management, business management, economics, and other key professional fields.

The Board is structured to include up to 12 voting members, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive governance approach. Of these, one member is appointed directly by the Government of Mexico.

In addition to the voting members, the Board includes four non-voting members who play a crucial advisory role. Among these non-voting members are a representative from the Government of Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CIMMYT’s Director General, ensuring that key perspectives are included in discussions.

The Board’s leadership is further enhanced by the role of Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, who serves as the Honorary Chair, underscoring the strong partnership between CIMMYT and the Mexican government.

Through this diverse and highly experienced Board, CIMMYT continues to drive its mission forward, fostering innovation and impact in agricultural research and development on a global scale.

Chair (Voting Member)

Profile image for Margaret Bath

Margaret Bath

Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees

Other voting Members

Profile image for Shenggen Fan

Shenggen Fan

CIMMYT Board Member and CGIAR System Board Member

Profile image for Luis Ángel Rodríguez del Bosque

Luis Ángel Rodríguez del Bosque

Member, CIMMYT Board of Trustees

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Alice Ruhweza

CIMMYT Board Member and CGIAR System Board Member

Profile image for Lindiwe Sibanda

Lindiwe Sibanda

CIMMYT Board Member and CGIAR System Board Member

Profile image for Juan Cortina

Juan Cortina

Member, CIMMYT Board of Trustees

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Matthew Morell

CIMMYT Board Member

Profile image for Ajay Kumar Sood

Ajay Kumar Sood

CIMMYT Board Member

Profile image for Jan A. Delcour

Jan A. Delcour

CIMMYT Board Member

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Elsa Murano

Vice Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees

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Molly Jahn

CIMMYT Board Member

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Clarissa Van Heerden

Member, CIMMYT Board of Trustees CIMMYT AFRC Chair

Honorary Chair (Non-voting Member)

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Julio Berdegué Sacristán

Honorary Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees

Other non-voting Members

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Bram Govaerts

Director General

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Joel Hernández

Member, CIMMYT Board of Trustees Ex-officio

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Aaron Maniam

CIMMYT Board Member