UNICEF Executive and Leadership Team

June, 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, delivering essential services and emergency relief to save lives and foster potential.

Leadership Roles at UNICEF

  • Chief Executive Officer - Anthony Stuart
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lydia Branson
  • Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic - Gamila Hibatullah
  • Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer - Mohamad Kanawati
  • Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) - Abu Mohamed
  • President - Namrata Paladugu
  • Dartmouth Chapter President - Vinisha Velmineti
  • President - Mehyar Wannous
  • Global Chief of Staff Wellbeing - Ruan Boshoff
  • Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive - Sonia Bhim
  • Anthony Stuart - Chief Executive Officer

    Anthony Stuart, the Chief Executive Officer at UNICEF, directs the organization's global strategy and operational framework. Stuart oversees all programmatic initiatives, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's core mission to advocate for children's rights and well-being across more than 190 countries. This leadership position involves driving critical decisions on resource allocation, international partnerships, and emergency response protocols. Stuart's executive oversight extends to defining the organization's long-term vision and its impact on saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. The Chief Executive Officer's role requires constant engagement with global leaders and stakeholders to advance child welfare on a worldwide scale. Anthony Stuart ensures the organization's operational effectiveness and its capacity to deliver vital health care, immunizations, safe water, nutrition, and education.

    Lydia Branson - Chief Financial Officer

    Lydia Branson, the Chief Financial Officer at UNICEF, manages the organization's comprehensive financial operations and fiscal strategy. Branson directs all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency across global activities. This role is critical for sustaining UNICEF's humanitarian efforts, including the provision of health care, immunizations, safe water, and education in over 190 countries. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities encompass managing donor funds, optimizing resource utilization, and mitigating financial risks. Lydia Branson's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to maximize impact in saving children's lives and defending their rights. This executive function also involves close collaboration with other departments to support programmatic goals and long-term sustainability.

    Gamila Hibatullah - Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic

    Gamila Hibatullah, the Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic at UNICEF, drives critical health and nutrition programs within the Aden Zone. Hibatullah manages both the financial oversight and the operational execution of nutrition-specific initiatives, ensuring effective resource deployment for vulnerable populations. This dual role involves direct responsibility for health and nutrition outcomes, alongside rigorous financial management of cluster activities. The Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer's leadership is essential for delivering life-saving interventions, including nutritional support and healthcare services, particularly in challenging operational environments. Gamila Hibatullah's focus on the Nutrition Cluster Lead role at Aden Zone & Oic directly supports UNICEF's mission to save children's lives and defend their rights through targeted health and nutrition programs.

    Mohamad Kanawati - Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer

    Mohamad Kanawati, the Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer at UNICEF, directs financial operations and strategic resource management for field-based activities. Kanawati oversees the fiscal integrity of regional programs, ensuring that funds allocated for health care, immunizations, education, and emergency relief are utilized efficiently and effectively. This executive position requires a deep understanding of both field operations and financial governance to support UNICEF's mission in diverse geographical areas. The Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance for on-the-ground initiatives aimed at saving children's lives and defending their rights. Mohamad Kanawati's leadership ensures robust financial stewardship for critical humanitarian work executed directly within communities.

    Abu Mohamed - Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer)

    Abu Mohamed, the Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) at UNICEF, leads financial management and operational oversight for field-based programs. Mohamed ensures the prudent allocation and expenditure of resources dedicated to providing essential services such as health care, nutrition, and education in diverse field locations. This critical role involves maintaining financial accountability and driving efficiency in program delivery across various regions. The Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer)'s responsibilities are integral to supporting UNICEF's mandate of saving children's lives and defending their rights through effective on-the-ground operations. Abu Mohamed's financial acumen and field-level focus are vital for maximizing the impact of humanitarian efforts in communities worldwide.

    Namrata Paladugu - President

    Namrata Paladugu, the President at UNICEF, directs the strategic vision and overarching governance of the organization's global initiatives. Paladugu oversees the implementation of policies and programs aimed at advocating for children's rights and ensuring their well-being across numerous countries. This leadership position involves fostering key relationships with international bodies, governments, and partners to advance UNICEF's mission. The President's role is fundamental to driving impactful change in areas such as health care, education, and emergency relief, directly contributing to saving children's lives. Namrata Paladugu's executive leadership ensures that UNICEF remains at the forefront of humanitarian efforts dedicated to fulfilling children's potential worldwide.
    Namrata Paladugu

    Vinisha Velmineti - Dartmouth Chapter President

    Vinisha Velmineti, the Dartmouth Chapter President at UNICEF, leads local engagement and advocacy efforts to support the organization's global mission. Velmineti directs chapter activities focused on raising awareness, mobilizing community support, and fundraising for children's rights and well-being initiatives. This role is crucial for translating global objectives into tangible actions at the local level, fostering a strong connection between the Dartmouth community and UNICEF's work. The Dartmouth Chapter President's responsibilities include organizing events, managing volunteers, and promoting educational programs about the challenges children face worldwide. Vinisha Velmineti's leadership energizes local support for saving children's lives and defending their rights through dedicated chapter operations.

    Mehyar Wannous - President

    Mehyar Wannous, the President at UNICEF, guides the strategic direction and operational execution of the organization's critical humanitarian programs. Wannous oversees initiatives focused on delivering essential services, including health care, immunizations, and education, to children in need across diverse global landscapes. This executive function is vital for ensuring that UNICEF effectively advocates for children's rights and provides life-saving support. The President's leadership involves fostering collaborations and driving innovation to address complex challenges faced by children worldwide. Mehyar Wannous's commitment ensures the organization's continued impact in saving children's lives and helping them achieve their full potential through dedicated program management.

    Ruan Boshoff - Global Chief of Staff Wellbeing

    Ruan Boshoff, the Global Chief of Staff Wellbeing at UNICEF, spearheads initiatives focused on the holistic health and operational effectiveness of the organization's workforce. Boshoff directs the development and implementation of programs designed to enhance staff wellbeing, foster a supportive work environment, and ensure operational resilience across diverse global contexts. This executive role is pivotal in maintaining the high performance of teams engaged in critical humanitarian work, from delivering health care and immunizations to providing emergency relief. The Global Chief of Staff Wellbeing's purview includes strategic planning for staff support services and ensuring that wellbeing is integrated into all operational facets. Ruan Boshoff's leadership contributes directly to UNICEF's capacity to execute its mission by prioritizing the people who deliver its vital services worldwide.

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

    Sonia Bhim, the Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive at UNICEF, orchestrates the strategic planning and execution of emergency response initiatives worldwide. Bhim directs the coordination of global operations, ensuring rapid and effective deployment of resources during crises to save children's lives. This executive role involves managing complex logistical challenges, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and optimizing operational frameworks for emergency relief. The Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive's leadership is crucial for providing timely assistance, including safe water, sanitation, and medical aid, to affected populations. Sonia Bhim's strategic management ensures UNICEF's readiness and capacity to address urgent humanitarian needs and defend children's rights in times of disaster.

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    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 Lydia Branson (Chief Financial Officer) and Gamila Hibatullah (Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic).
    Who is part of UNICEF’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNICEF includes leaders such as Anthony Stuart (Chief Executive Officer), Lydia Branson (Chief Financial Officer), Gamila Hibatullah (Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic) 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, Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic, Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer, Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer).