ForAfrika Executive and Leadership Team

Simon McGregor, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at ForAfrika, integrates fiscal discipline with operational excellence to ensure organizational sustainability. By overseeing the financial health of the entire relief portfolio, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer manages budget allocations and capital expenditures across all seven countries of operation. Simon McGregor directs the implementation of robust financial controls while simultaneously optimizing the operational processes that support food security and health programs. This dual-function role requires constant coordination with the board to align fiscal strategy with long-term development goals. Through rigorous analysis of financial performance and operational output, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost-efficiency and resource optimization. By balancing the demands of financial reporting with the realities of field-based humanitarian work, the executive ensures that ForAfrika maintains the fiscal agility needed to respond to urgent crises and promote community resilience.

James Lutzweiler, the Group Chief Operating Officer at ForAfrika, manages the execution of complex relief programs and field-level logistics. Overseeing the implementation of WASH and nutrition initiatives, the Group Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational standards meet international humanitarian benchmarks. James Lutzweiler directs the deployment of resources across diverse geographic regions, focusing on maximizing the efficiency of supply chains and program delivery. This leadership role involves constant interaction with regional directors to refine field strategies and address emerging challenges in volatile environments. By optimizing operational workflows, the Group Chief Operating Officer supports the organization's commitment to early recovery and community resilience. The executive monitors performance metrics to ensure that every project achieves measurable outcomes in food security and health. Through disciplined management of field operations, the Group Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability necessary for ForAfrika to fulfill its mission of creating sustainable living conditions.

Susannah Hastings, the Group Chief of Staff at ForAfrika, directs internal alignment and organizational efficiency across all regional operations. By coordinating cross-functional initiatives, the Group Chief of Staff ensures that humanitarian programs in food security and health remain synchronized with the broader mission of poverty reduction. Susannah Hastings facilitates communication between executive leadership and field teams to optimize resource allocation. This role involves monitoring progress against strategic goals while identifying operational bottlenecks that hinder service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Group Chief of Staff maintains the structural integrity required for large-scale relief efforts. By fostering collaboration across diverse departments, the executive ensures that every program component contributes to the overarching objective of saving lives. Ultimately, the Group Chief of Staff strengthens the organizational framework, enabling ForAfrika to scale its impact effectively across the seven countries of operation.

Sharmala Ishwarlall, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting at ForAfrika, architects the organization's funding strategies and donor engagement frameworks. By identifying new grant opportunities and cultivating relationships with international partners, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting drives the financial growth required to sustain long-term programming. Sharmala Ishwarlall analyzes donor trends and sectoral forecasts to position the organization for both solicited and unsolicited funding. This role involves designing compelling proposals that link field-level innovations to donor priorities in nutrition and economic recovery. Through strategic networking and proactive outreach, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting expands the donor base and ensures a diverse funding mix. The executive collaborates with program teams to translate field successes into persuasive narratives for stakeholders. By securing consistent grant income, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting provides the financial foundation necessary for ForAfrika to maintain its expansive humanitarian footprint across the African continent.

Mercy Kanyi, the Chief Finance Officer at ForAfrika, governs the financial integrity and reporting standards of the organization. By managing complex grant accounting and ensuring compliance with international donor requirements, the Chief Finance Officer protects the fiscal reputation of the entity. Mercy Kanyi directs the development of long-term financial sustainability mechanisms, ensuring that resources are available for critical programs in WASH and nutrition. This role involves providing the executive team with accurate financial insights to guide strategic decision-making and risk management. Through the implementation of advanced financial systems, the Chief Finance Officer enhances transparency and accountability across all regional offices. The executive works closely with auditors and stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship. By securing the financial backbone of the organization, the Chief Finance Officer enables ForAfrika to focus on its core mission of saving lives and fostering sustainable development throughout the African continent.