Women for Women International (WfWI) has announced the appointment of Thelma Ekiyor as its new Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms. Ekiyor brings 25 years of professional experience in international development to the role and an award-winning career dedicated to women’s economic power and social entrepreneurship.
The Women for Women International Board Chair, Nunu Ntshingila, said;
“Among a shortlist of brilliant candidates, Thelma Ekiyor’s experience, talent and leadership shone brightly. Her deep commitment to investing in women and supporting them to transform their lives and communities was crystal clear. We are incredibly grateful to our Board for taking part in an extensive interview process and to our colleague Marie Clarke who has led the organization as Acting CEO for the past nine months with immense dedication.”
Prior to joining WfWI, as a seasoned leader, Ms. Ekiyor has served in pioneering roles or led several innovative organizations, including serving as Chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, domiciled in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, SME.NG, where she co-founded the largest all-women’s accelerator in Nigeria, Afrigrants, which provided financing for women’s micro-businesses, TY Danjuma Foundation, and the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Ghana.
Throughout her career, Ms. Ekiyor has worked with the private sector, governments, civil society, the media, philanthropists, and impact investors, fostering innovation and building successful coalitions. As a Nigerian, based in the UK, she has been the driving force behind various cross-sector networks and international partnerships.
Ms. Ekiyor served on the International Advisory Board of the Global Centre on Responsibility to Protect (R2P) based in New York and she is the co-founder and co-chair of Women in Philanthropy & Impact (WIPIA), supporting African women’s leadership in philanthropy and impact across the world.
Ms. Ekiyor said:
“I am passionate about investing in women and creating opportunities that drive investment in social good. Women for Women International’s mission supporting women survivors of war and women-led enterprises is very close to my heart and I am excited to be part of a team that is working to ensure every woman realizes her power and reaches her full potential.”
Ms. Ekiyor takes the helm at a time of immense change and uncertainty in the global development sector. Her wealth of skills and experience will be invaluable to Women for Women International as she leads the organization into the next chapter.
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