UNICEF Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNICEF has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and field management.

Driven by a commitment to child welfare, UNICEF champions children's rights globally, providing essential services and emergency relief to save lives and foster potential.

Leadership Roles at UNICEF

  • Chief Executive Officer - Anthony Stuart
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ray Cole
  • Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) - Ibrahim Elsheikh
  • President - Namrata Paladugu
  • Co-President of UNICEF Georgetown - Victoria Chertorivski
  • President - Deepak Tomar
  • President At Rutgers UNICEF - Meher Narang
  • Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response - Yasmin Jamshed
  • Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive - Sonia Bhim
  • Drh - Isabelle Schoepfer
  • Anthony Stuart - Chief Executive Officer

    Anthony Stuart, the Chief Executive Officer at UNICEF, directs the organization's global strategy and operational framework. Stuart oversees the implementation of programs focused on child health, immunizations, safe water, sanitation, nutrition, and education across more than 190 countries. This leadership role involves ensuring that UNICEF effectively advocates for children's rights and helps them realize their full potential. By coordinating international relief efforts and humanitarian responses, Stuart drives the organization's mission to save children's lives. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering partnerships with governments and other international bodies to maximize impact and reach. Anthony Stuart ensures that all initiatives align with UNICEF's core values and objectives, maintaining a steadfast focus on vulnerable populations worldwide.

    Ray Cole - Chief Financial Officer

    Ray Cole, the Chief Financial Officer at UNICEF, manages the organization's extensive financial operations and resource allocation. Cole is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, and ensuring fiscal accountability across all global programs and administrative functions. This critical role involves safeguarding UNICEF's assets and optimizing financial performance to support humanitarian efforts. The Chief Financial Officer directs the financial reporting processes, providing transparent and accurate data to stakeholders and governing bodies. By implementing robust financial controls and risk management strategies, Cole ensures the efficient deployment of funds for healthcare, immunizations, safe water, nutrition, and education initiatives. Ray Cole's oversight is vital for maintaining donor confidence and enabling the organization's continued advocacy for children's rights worldwide.

    Ibrahim Elsheikh - Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer)

    Ibrahim Elsheikh, the Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) at UNICEF, leads financial management and operational oversight for key field offices. Elsheikh ensures that financial resources are effectively utilized to deliver essential services such as immunizations, safe water, and education in diverse geographic locations. This role involves implementing financial policies and controls at the local level, supporting program delivery and accountability. The Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) works closely with country teams to manage budgets, track expenditures, and optimize resource allocation for maximum impact on children's lives. By providing critical financial guidance, Ibrahim Elsheikh supports the organization's advocacy for children's rights and its mission to help them fulfill their potential. Elsheikh's expertise is fundamental to UNICEF's global humanitarian response.
    Ibrahim Elsheikh

    Namrata Paladugu - President

    Namrata Paladugu, the President at UNICEF, leads strategic initiatives aimed at advancing children's rights and well-being. Paladugu champions the organization's mission to provide health care, immunizations, safe water, and education globally. This executive position involves fostering partnerships and driving advocacy efforts to ensure children can fulfil their potential. The President oversees key programs focused on emergency relief and long-term development, working to save children's lives in over 190 countries. By guiding strategic planning and resource mobilization, Namrata Paladugu ensures UNICEF's continued impact in humanitarian response and child protection. Paladugu's leadership is instrumental in upholding the organization's commitment to vulnerable children worldwide.
    Namrata Paladugu

    Victoria Chertorivski - Co-President of UNICEF Georgetown

    Victoria Chertorivski, the Co-President of UNICEF Georgetown, spearheads local initiatives to support UNICEF's global mission. Chertorivski mobilizes community resources and awareness campaigns focused on child health, education, and protection. This role involves coordinating volunteer efforts and fundraising activities to contribute to essential services like immunizations and safe water provision. The Co-President of UNICEF Georgetown works to amplify the organization's advocacy for children's rights within the local context. By fostering engagement and driving local action, Victoria Chertorivski ensures that community efforts directly support saving children's lives and helping them realize their potential. Chertorivski's dedication strengthens UNICEF's grassroots support network.

    Deepak Tomar - President

    Deepak Tomar, the President at UNICEF, directs strategic operations and program development to advance children's welfare globally. Tomar oversees initiatives focused on delivering critical services, including health care, nutrition, and education, in numerous countries. This leadership role involves driving advocacy for children's rights and ensuring their potential is realized. The President is responsible for enhancing UNICEF's capacity to provide emergency relief and long-term support, thereby saving children's lives. By fostering collaborations and optimizing resource allocation, Deepak Tomar ensures the organization's sustained impact in humanitarian efforts. Tomar's leadership reinforces UNICEF's commitment to protecting vulnerable children worldwide.

    Meher Narang - President At Rutgers UNICEF

    Meher Narang, the President At Rutgers UNICEF, leads campus-based efforts to support UNICEF's international objectives. Narang organizes awareness campaigns and fundraising events to aid children's health, education, and protection initiatives. This position involves engaging students and faculty to contribute to providing essential services like immunizations and safe water. The President At Rutgers UNICEF champions the organization's advocacy for children's rights within the university community. By driving local engagement and action, Meher Narang ensures that campus activities effectively support saving children's lives and helping them achieve their full potential. Narang's leadership strengthens UNICEF's connection with educational institutions.

    Yasmin Jamshed - Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response

    Yasmin Jamshed, the Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response at UNICEF, orchestrates critical support functions for emergency operations. Jamshed ensures seamless coordination between field teams and headquarters, facilitating rapid deployment of resources during crises. This position involves managing strategic initiatives and providing direct operational support to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian aid. The Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response oversees the logistical and administrative frameworks necessary for delivering health care, safe water, and nutrition in disaster-stricken regions. By streamlining communication and operational workflows, Jamshed strengthens UNICEF's capacity to defend children's rights and save lives in challenging environments. Yasmin Jamshed's leadership is pivotal in ensuring timely and impactful emergency relief.

    Sonia Bhim - Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive

    Sonia Bhim, the Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive at UNICEF, drives strategic planning and execution for urgent humanitarian interventions. Bhim coordinates global emergency operations, ensuring swift and effective responses to crises affecting children. This leadership position involves managing cross-functional teams to deliver critical aid, including health care, nutrition, and safe water. The Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive oversees the development and implementation of operational strategies that enhance UNICEF's ability to save children's lives and defend their rights. By fostering collaboration and optimizing resource deployment, Bhim ensures that emergency relief efforts are impactful and reach the most vulnerable populations. Sonia Bhim's role is essential for strengthening the organization's preparedness and response capabilities worldwide.

    Isabelle Schoepfer - Drh

    Isabelle Schoepfer, the Drh at UNICEF, manages critical human resources functions to support the organization's global workforce. Schoepfer oversees talent acquisition, development, and employee relations, ensuring that UNICEF has the skilled personnel needed for its humanitarian operations. This role is vital for maintaining a high-performing team dedicated to child welfare and rights advocacy. The Drh ensures that HR policies align with UNICEF's mission to provide health care, education, and emergency relief worldwide. By fostering a supportive work environment, Isabelle Schoepfer contributes to the organization's effectiveness in saving children's lives and helping them fulfil their potential. Schoepfer's expertise is crucial for sustaining UNICEF's operational capacity.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNICEF Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNICEF?
    UNICEF is led by Anthony Stuart (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ray Cole (Chief Financial Officer) and Ibrahim Elsheikh (Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer)).
    Who is part of UNICEF’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNICEF includes leaders such as Anthony Stuart (Chief Executive Officer), Ray Cole (Chief Financial Officer), Ibrahim Elsheikh (Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNICEF have?
    UNICEF has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNICEF’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNICEF includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer), President, Co-President of UNICEF Georgetown.