UNICEF Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNICEF has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, field operations, nutrition, humanitarian response, emergency management, medical advocacy, and organizational leadership.

Committed to global child welfare, UNICEF advances humanitarian initiatives by securing essential resources and implementing life-saving programs across 190 countries to defend children's rights and potential.

Leadership Roles at UNICEF

  • Chief Executive Officer - Muaz Audi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lydia Branson
  • Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) - Ibrahim Elsheikh
  • Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic - Gamila Hibatullah
  • Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer - Mohamad Kanawati
  • Dartmouth Chapter President - Vinisha Velmineti
  • President - Navadeep Kalluri
  • Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response - Yasmin Jamshed
  • Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive - Sonia Bhim
  • Chief Medical Officer - Mack Robinson
  • Muaz Audi - Chief Executive Officer

    Muaz Audi, the Chief Executive Officer at UNICEF, directs the overarching humanitarian strategy and global advocacy efforts for children. Audi manages the organization's mission to provide health care, nutrition, and emergency relief across 190 countries. By aligning internal resources with international development goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that UNICEF maintains a robust presence in high-need regions. This leadership role involves coordinating with global stakeholders to expand access to safe water and sanitation. Muaz Audi drives the long-term vision for protecting children's rights and fulfilling their potential through sustainable policy frameworks. The Chief Executive Officer also oversees the integration of diverse operational departments to maximize impact during humanitarian crises. Through rigorous strategic planning, Audi secures the necessary support to sustain large-scale interventions, ultimately strengthening the organization's capacity to save lives and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide.

    Lydia Branson - Chief Financial Officer

    Lydia Branson, the Chief Financial Officer at UNICEF, manages the fiscal integrity and resource allocation strategies required for global humanitarian operations. Branson oversees the complex budgeting processes that support health care, immunization, and education programs across diverse international territories. By optimizing financial workflows, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that donor contributions translate directly into effective field interventions. This role involves rigorous monitoring of expenditure to maintain transparency and accountability within the organization's expansive network. Lydia Branson drives the development of sustainable funding models that allow UNICEF to respond rapidly to emergency situations. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with global partners to align financial reporting with international humanitarian standards. Through precise fiscal management, Branson secures the stability of the organization's long-term projects, ensuring that resources reach children in need while maintaining the highest levels of operational efficiency and financial compliance across all regional offices.

    Ibrahim Elsheikh - Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer)

    Ibrahim Elsheikh, the Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) at UNICEF, directs the financial administration and operational logistics within specific field environments. Elsheikh manages the allocation of funds for localized emergency relief and sanitation projects, ensuring that resources meet the immediate needs of children in crisis zones. By overseeing the financial health of field operations, the Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) supports the delivery of essential services in challenging geographic contexts. This role involves coordinating with regional teams to streamline procurement and distribution processes for nutrition and medical supplies. Ibrahim Elsheikh drives the implementation of financial controls that protect the integrity of field-based humanitarian programs. The Chief Field Office (Chief Financial Officer) also monitors regional budget performance to ensure alignment with the broader organizational mission. Through diligent oversight, Elsheikh facilitates the efficient execution of field-level initiatives, directly impacting the success of life-saving interventions in high-priority areas.
    Ibrahim Elsheikh

    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, architects specialized nutrition programs and manages the associated financial resources for the Aden zone. Hibatullah directs the delivery of health care and nutritional support to children, ensuring that interventions address critical deficiencies in high-risk environments. By leading the nutrition cluster, the Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic coordinates multi-agency efforts to combat malnutrition and improve child health outcomes. This role involves managing complex budgets to sustain long-term feeding initiatives and emergency health services. Gamila Hibatullah drives the strategic planning for regional health programs, ensuring that every dollar allocated maximizes the impact on child survival. The Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic also monitors the effectiveness of nutritional interventions, providing data-driven insights to improve future humanitarian responses.

    Mohamad Kanawati - Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer

    Mohamad Kanawati, the Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer at UNICEF, manages the financial and operational oversight of field-based humanitarian programs. Kanawati directs the allocation of funds for essential services, including education and sanitation, within specific regional territories. By ensuring that financial resources are utilized efficiently at the field level, the Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer supports the successful implementation of UNICEF's mission. This role involves coordinating with local teams to manage budgets and procurement for critical supplies. Mohamad Kanawati drives the development of financial reporting systems that provide transparency for field operations. The Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer also monitors the impact of regional programs to ensure they align with global humanitarian goals. Through careful fiscal management and operational leadership, Kanawati facilitates the delivery of life-saving support, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most urgent needs of children in the field.

    Vinisha Velmineti - Dartmouth Chapter President

    Vinisha Velmineti, the Dartmouth Chapter President at UNICEF, leads the local advocacy and fundraising initiatives that support the organization's global mission. Velmineti directs the engagement of student and community members to raise awareness about children's rights and humanitarian needs. By organizing educational events and resource drives, the Dartmouth Chapter President contributes to the broader effort of providing health care, education, and emergency relief. This role involves coordinating with regional UNICEF representatives to align local activities with international priorities. Vinisha Velmineti drives the growth of the chapter by fostering partnerships and increasing community participation in humanitarian causes. The Dartmouth Chapter President also manages the chapter's outreach strategies to ensure consistent support for UNICEF's programs. Through dedicated leadership, Velmineti mobilizes local resources and advocacy, directly supporting the organization's ability to defend children's rights and fulfill their potential on a global scale.
    Navadeep Kalluri, the President at UNICEF, directs the organizational governance and strategic advocacy efforts to advance the mission of protecting children. Kalluri oversees the alignment of institutional goals with global humanitarian needs, ensuring that the organization remains focused on its core objectives of health, education, and emergency relief. By leading the executive team, the President facilitates the development of policies that defend children's rights and promote their well-being. This role involves representing the organization in high-level discussions with international stakeholders and partners. Navadeep Kalluri drives the strategic vision that enables UNICEF to operate effectively in more than 190 countries. The President also monitors the overall impact of the organization's programs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of children worldwide. Through visionary leadership, Kalluri secures the support and resources necessary to sustain life-saving interventions, ensuring that UNICEF continues to fulfill its potential as a global advocate for children.

    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, coordinates the operational execution of global emergency relief efforts. Jamshed manages the integration of cross-functional teams to ensure rapid deployment of resources during humanitarian crises. By overseeing the strategic alignment of response units, the Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response facilitates the delivery of health care, water, and sanitation services to affected populations. This role involves managing high-level communications and operational workflows that connect field teams with global leadership. Yasmin Jamshed drives the efficiency of humanitarian operations by streamlining decision-making processes and resource mobilization. The Executive Manager and Chief of Staff, Global Humanitarian Response also monitors the progress of emergency interventions to ensure compliance with international standards. Through proactive management, Jamshed supports the organization's ability to respond to urgent needs, ultimately safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in volatile regions.

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

    Sonia Bhim, the Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive at UNICEF, directs the administrative and operational infrastructure supporting global emergency management. Bhim oversees the coordination of management systems that enable the organization to scale its response to health and education crises. By managing the intersection of global policy and emergency operations, the Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive ensures that resources are deployed effectively to protect children in need. This role involves facilitating collaboration between executive leadership and field operations to maintain operational continuity. Sonia Bhim drives the implementation of management strategies that enhance the organization's agility during large-scale humanitarian events. The Chief of Staff & Global Management, Emergency Operations Executive also monitors the performance of emergency programs to ensure they meet established humanitarian benchmarks. Through rigorous management, Bhim supports the delivery of life-saving services, ensuring that UNICEF remains a reliable advocate for children worldwide.

    Mack Robinson - Chief Medical Officer

    Mack Robinson, the Chief Medical Officer at UNICEF, directs the clinical strategy and health-related humanitarian initiatives for the organization. Robinson oversees the implementation of immunization programs, maternal health services, and disease prevention efforts across 190 countries. By providing medical expertise, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all health interventions meet international safety and efficacy standards. This role involves collaborating with global health partners to address systemic health challenges and improve child survival rates. Mack Robinson drives the development of medical policies that guide the organization's response to health emergencies and chronic health issues. The Chief Medical Officer also monitors global health trends to anticipate and mitigate risks to children's well-being. Through clinical leadership, Robinson ensures that UNICEF's health programs are evidence-based and impactful, ultimately saving lives and promoting the long-term health of children in diverse and challenging environments worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNICEF Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNICEF?
    UNICEF is led by Muaz Audi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lydia Branson (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 Muaz Audi (Chief Executive Officer), Lydia Branson (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), Health Nutrition Officer & Chief Financial Officer, Nutrition Cluster Lead At Aden Zone & Oic, Chief of Field Office Chief Financial Officer.