IRRI Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

IRRI has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, innovation, operations, and revenue generation.

Dedicated to global food security, IRRI advances rice science through sustainable agricultural practices and impactful research partnerships across Asia and Africa to combat hunger and poverty.

Leadership Roles at IRRI

  • Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl - Sumanta Biswal
  • CEO and Co-founder - Nambleton Junior Kone
  • Chief of Staff - Alvin Poncin
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Joselito Platon
  • Sumanta Biswal - Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl

    Sumanta Biswal, the Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl at IRRI, directs high-level strategic initiatives focused on agricultural sustainability. Biswal architects long-term research frameworks that address food security challenges across diverse Asian and African markets. By aligning organizational goals with global hunger reduction targets, the Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl ensures that scientific advancements translate into tangible improvements for rice-based agri-food sectors. Sumanta Biswal manages complex stakeholder relationships, fostering collaborations that expand the reach of digital innovations and educational programs. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of regional climate impacts on crop yields, requiring precise resource allocation to maintain operational excellence. Through rigorous oversight of research support services, the Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl drives the mission of poverty alleviation. Ultimately, Biswal secures the necessary institutional support to sustain large-scale agricultural projects, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs reach the farmers who need them most for improved livelihoods and nutrition.

    Nambleton Junior Kone - CEO and Co-founder

    Nambleton Junior Kone, the CEO and Co-founder at IRRI, drives the overarching vision for innovative rice science solutions. Kone architects the foundational strategies that enable the organization to tackle climate-related agricultural risks on a global scale. Overseeing the integration of digital tools into traditional farming practices, the CEO and Co-founder ensures that technological adoption remains a priority for regional partners. Nambleton Junior Kone maintains close coordination with the Board to refine the institutional mission, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term food security. This leadership role demands constant monitoring of market trends within the agri-food sector to identify new opportunities for impact. By championing collaborative research initiatives, the CEO and Co-founder strengthens the presence of the organization in key developing nations. Kone executes high-impact programs that empower local stakeholders, ensuring that scientific research directly supports the economic stability of rice-dependent communities while promoting nutritional health across diverse geographic regions.

    Alvin Poncin - Chief of Staff

    Alvin Poncin, the Chief of Staff at IRRI, coordinates internal operations to ensure seamless execution of research-driven objectives. Poncin architects efficient workflows that connect various departments, facilitating the rapid deployment of agricultural solutions across 17 countries. By managing the flow of information between executive leadership and operational teams, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities remain aligned with the core mission of combating hunger. Alvin Poncin oversees the implementation of organizational policies that support sustainable practices and regional research initiatives. This leadership role involves optimizing resource distribution to maximize the impact of educational programs and digital innovations. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational tempo required for large-scale agricultural projects. Poncin drives administrative excellence, allowing the organization to focus on scientific breakthroughs that improve livelihoods. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the internal stability necessary for the successful delivery of complex, multi-regional food security programs.

    Joselito Platon - Chief Revenue Officer

    Joselito Platon, the Chief Revenue Officer at IRRI, directs financial growth strategies to support the expansion of rice science research. Platon architects revenue-generating partnerships that provide the capital necessary for developing regionally tailored agricultural solutions. By identifying new funding streams and managing donor relations, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures the financial viability of long-term food security projects. Joselito Platon oversees the commercialization of digital innovations and educational services, ensuring these offerings reach stakeholders effectively across Asia and Africa. This leadership role involves constant interaction with global partners to secure investments that drive advancements in agricultural planning. Through strategic financial oversight, the Chief Revenue Officer supports the scaling of research support services, directly impacting the organization's ability to combat poverty. Platon manages the fiscal health of the institution, ensuring that resources are directed toward high-impact initiatives. Ultimately, the Chief Revenue Officer secures the financial foundation required to sustain the mission of improving nutrition and livelihoods.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IRRI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IRRI?
    IRRI is led by Sumanta Biswal (Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl), along with executives such as Nambleton Junior Kone (CEO and Co-founder) and Alvin Poncin (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of IRRI’s executive team?
    The executive team of IRRI includes leaders such as Sumanta Biswal (Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl), Nambleton Junior Kone (CEO and Co-founder), Alvin Poncin (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IRRI have?
    IRRI has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IRRI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IRRI includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer At Lwfspcl, CEO and Co-founder, Chief of Staff, Chief Revenue Officer.