ForAfrika Executive and Leadership Team

Simon McGregor, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at ForAfrika, provides dual leadership across critical operational and financial domains. McGregor directs the strategic financial planning and management, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of ForAfrika's extensive operations. This involves overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support programs in Food Security, Nutrition, Health, WASH, and Economic Recovery across seven countries. The Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer also drives operational efficiency, aligning business processes with the organization's mission to save lives and overcome poverty. By integrating financial oversight with operational strategy, Simon McGregor ensures that resources are deployed effectively to maximize programmatic impact and foster community resilience. This comprehensive leadership role is essential for navigating the complex financial landscape of international development and achieving long-term organizational objectives.

James Lutzweiler, the Group Chief Operating Officer at ForAfrika, directs the operational execution of the organization's strategic initiatives across its African footprint. Overseeing the complex logistical and programmatic frameworks, Lutzweiler ensures the efficient delivery of essential services in Food Security, Nutrition, Health, WASH, and Economic Recovery. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and operational workflows to maximize impact in regions facing significant development challenges. By driving operational excellence, James Lutzweiler supports the core mission of saving lives and fostering sustainable living. The Group Chief Operating Officer's purview extends to enhancing program delivery mechanisms, ensuring compliance with international standards, and adapting operational strategies to meet evolving on-the-ground needs. This critical function underpins ForAfrika's ability to achieve its ambitious goals in community resilience and poverty alleviation across multiple countries.

Sharmala Ishwarlall, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting at ForAfrika, spearheads the organization's financial growth and revenue diversification strategies. Ishwarlall focuses on expanding the funding portfolio by identifying and cultivating new donor relationships and revenue streams, crucial for sustaining and growing ForAfrika's vital programs. This role involves strategic engagement with potential partners and stakeholders to secure the necessary financial resources for program implementation and expansion. The Acting Chief Revenue Officer's efforts directly contribute to achieving the country office's annual grant income targets and ensuring a robust funding mix. By developing and executing intelligent research on donor strategies and sectoral forecasts, Sharmala Ishwarlall positions ForAfrika for success in securing both solicited and unsolicited funding opportunities. This leadership function is paramount to the organization's long-term financial sustainability and its capacity to deliver on its mission across the continent.

Susannah Hastings, the Group Chief of Staff at ForAfrika, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the organization's leadership functions. Hastings facilitates the execution of the company's strategic plan, ensuring alignment between departmental objectives and the overarching mission of saving lives and promoting sustainable living in Africa. This role involves managing key initiatives, driving cross-functional collaboration, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The Group Chief of Staff acts as a central point for strategic communication and project management, ensuring that leadership priorities are translated into actionable plans. By streamlining processes and fostering efficient communication channels, Susannah Hastings supports the leadership team in navigating complex development challenges and maximizing programmatic impact. This position is vital for maintaining organizational coherence and driving forward ForAfrika's commitment to poverty alleviation and economic recovery.

Mercy Kanyi, the Chief Finance Officer at ForAfrika, directs the organization's financial operations and fiscal strategy, ensuring robust financial management across its extensive programs. Kanyi oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting, providing critical insights to support ForAfrika's mission of saving lives and overcoming poverty in Africa. This leadership function is essential for maintaining financial integrity and sustainability, enabling the effective delivery of services in Food Security, Nutrition, Health, WASH, and Economic Recovery. The Chief Finance Officer plays a pivotal role in resource allocation, risk management, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and regulatory standards. By optimizing financial processes and controls, Mercy Kanyi strengthens ForAfrika's capacity to achieve its strategic objectives and foster long-term community resilience. This role is fundamental to the organization's operational effectiveness and its ability to secure funding for critical initiatives.