ForAfrika Executive and Leadership Team

Simon McGregor, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at ForAfrika, directs the organization's operational execution and financial strategy. McGregor oversees the integration of programmatic activities with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to achieve ForAfrika's mission of saving lives and promoting sustainable living across Africa. This dual role demands a comprehensive understanding of both day-to-day operational efficiencies and long-term financial health, critical for navigating the complex development landscape. McGregor's leadership ensures that financial frameworks support programmatic expansion and impact, particularly in areas like food security and economic recovery. The Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to optimizing resource deployment across multiple countries, driving operational excellence while maintaining stringent financial controls. Simon McGregor's strategic financial management underpins the organization's ability to secure funding and deliver impactful results in challenging environments.

James Lutzweiler, the Group Chief Operating Officer at ForAfrika, drives the strategic implementation and operational scaling of the organization's programs across the continent. Lutzweiler focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of ForAfrika's interventions in food security, nutrition, health, WASH, and economic recovery. This involves optimizing program delivery mechanisms and ensuring seamless coordination across ForAfrika's country operations. The Group Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include fostering innovation in program design and execution, directly contributing to the organization's pillars of saving lives, promoting early recovery, and building community resilience. Lutzweiler's leadership ensures that operational strategies align with the overarching goal of creating sustainable living conditions in Africa. By refining operational frameworks, James Lutzweiler strengthens ForAfrika's capacity to respond to humanitarian needs and drive long-term development impact. The Group Chief Operating Officer's role is pivotal in translating strategic objectives into tangible outcomes on the ground.

Sharmala Ishwarlall, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting at ForAfrika, spearheads initiatives to diversify and grow the organization's funding streams. Ishwarlall focuses on developing robust strategies for grant acquisition and donor retention, essential for achieving ForAfrika's country-specific strategic plans and funding mix targets. This role is critical for ensuring the financial sustainability required to implement programs in food security, health, and economic recovery across Africa. The Chief Revenue Officer, Acting, actively engages with donors, conducts in-depth research on funding landscapes, and positions ForAfrika for new opportunities. Ishwarlall's leadership aims to expand the grant portfolio, directly impacting the organization's ability to reach more communities and deepen its development work. By linking field learnings to emerging programming approaches, Sharmala Ishwarlall contributes to innovative funding proposals and strengthens external partnerships. The Chief Revenue Officer, Acting, plays a vital part in securing the resources necessary for ForAfrika's mission.

Susannah Hastings, the Group Chief of Staff at ForAfrika, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the organization's leadership functions. Hastings ensures alignment between ForAfrika's mission and its strategic initiatives, facilitating effective communication and execution of plans related to saving lives, promoting early recovery, and building community resilience. This role involves managing key projects, supporting executive decision-making, and enhancing organizational efficiency. The Group Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to optimizing internal processes and fostering a cohesive organizational culture that supports programmatic goals in food security, health, and economic recovery. Hastings works closely with other executives to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring that ForAfrika's operations across multiple African countries are integrated and impactful. Susannah Hastings's strategic oversight is crucial for driving organizational effectiveness and achieving sustainable development outcomes. The Group Chief of Staff acts as a central point for strategic alignment and operational coherence.

Mercy Kanyi, the Chief Finance Officer at ForAfrika, oversees the financial health and fiscal management of the organization's extensive operations across Africa. Kanyi ensures robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and strategic financial planning to support ForAfrika's mission of overcoming poverty and creating sustainable living. This role is fundamental to managing budgets for critical programs in food security, nutrition, health, WASH, and economic recovery. The Chief Finance Officer's responsibilities include optimizing financial resource allocation, managing donor funds responsibly, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations across various operating countries. Kanyi's expertise is vital for maintaining the financial sustainability necessary to expand ForAfrika's reach and impact. By providing strategic financial insights, Mercy Kanyi enables informed decision-making and strengthens the organization's capacity to secure funding and deliver effective humanitarian aid. The Chief Finance Officer plays a key role in the long-term viability and success of ForAfrika's development initiatives.