New CGIAR System Council Chair appointed

Renaud is the Director for Strategy and Operations in the Planet Vice Presidency at the World Bank. A French national, he joined the World Bank in 2007 as a Senior Financial Management Specialist in the Africa Region. He has held various positions, including Practice Manager in the Governance Global Practice, in the Africa and Middle East Regions, as well as Country Director and permanent representative of the World Bank in the Russian Federation.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Seligmann said:

“I step into this role with deep respect for the work of CGIAR’s scientists, staff, partners, and leadership across the world — and ready to build on the strong foundations left by my predecessor, Dr. Juergen Voegele, whose leadership has helped guide the system through an important period of integration and reform.  

As Chair, my focus will be on supporting CGIAR to strengthen its role as a neutral and trusted global platform, which translates world-class science into real impact for farmers, food systems, and vulnerable communities.This mission has never been so urgent and important.”  

Outgoing System Council Chair, Dr. Juergen Voegele, commented:  

“It has been a huge privilege to sit in the Chair’s seat since 2016, and I appreciate the trust placed in me by the Council. Things are getting harder, for more people, every day. CGIAR must continue evolving and improving to meet these challenges, and doing so will require an open mind for new ideas. I am delighted to hand over the Chair’s gavel to Renaud Seligmann, who I’ve no doubt will excel at steering CGIAR in pursuit of the highest standards of governance, research excellence, and impact.”