World Food Programme Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

World Food Programme has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, human resources, and national staff representation.

Driven by a mission to eradicate hunger, World Food Programme implements critical food assistance programs and develops sustainable solutions to improve food security and nutrition in vulnerable communities across more than 70 countries.

Leadership Roles at World Food Programme

  • President of WFP-TL National Staff Association - Elder Nunes
  • President - Rossi Palmieri
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Marceline Gakobwa
  • Programme Officer - Guy Onambele
  • Elder Nunes - President of WFP-TL National Staff Association

    Elder Nunes, the President of WFP-TL National Staff Association at World Food Programme, champions the interests and welfare of national staff members across its extensive global operations. This advocacy role ensures that the concerns and needs of the local workforce, integral to delivering food assistance and implementing food security programs, are effectively represented to organizational leadership. Nunes collaborates with management to address workplace conditions, professional development opportunities, and fair labor practices, particularly vital in regions facing food insecurity and malnutrition. The President of WFP-TL National Staff Association facilitates communication channels between national staff and the broader World Food Programme structure, fostering a more inclusive and responsive operational environment. Elder Nunes's leadership contributes to maintaining staff morale and operational continuity across diverse geographical areas.

    Rossi Palmieri - President

    Rossi Palmieri, the President at World Food Programme, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the global humanitarian organization. This executive leadership role guides the organization's mission to fight hunger worldwide, overseeing extensive operations that span more than 70 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Palmieri ensures the effective delivery of food assistance and the implementation of programs designed to improve food security and nutrition in vulnerable communities. The President collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other partners to respond to emergencies and advance long-term development initiatives aimed at building resilience against food insecurity. Rossi Palmieri's leadership is fundamental to mobilizing resources and driving the organization's impact in addressing global hunger and malnutrition.

    Marceline Gakobwa - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Marceline Gakobwa, the Chief Human Resources Officer at World Food Programme, architects the global human capital strategy, ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains top talent essential for its humanitarian mission. This leadership position oversees all aspects of human resources management, including talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development across more than 70 countries. Gakobwa drives initiatives to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, critical for staff operating in challenging conditions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures HR policies and practices align with World Food Programme's commitment to operational excellence and ethical conduct. Marceline Gakobwa's strategic direction is vital for maintaining the high performance and well-being of the dedicated workforce that delivers essential food aid and develops sustainable solutions to address hunger and malnutrition worldwide.

    Guy Onambele - Programme Officer

    Guy Onambele, the Programme Officer at World Food Programme, directs critical field operations focused on delivering essential food aid and implementing programs to improve food security and nutrition. This role involves direct engagement with vulnerable communities across multiple continents, ensuring the effective distribution of resources and the successful execution of initiatives aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition. Onambele's responsibilities extend to collaborating with local partners and governments to address immediate needs and support long-term development goals. The Programme Officer ensures that operational strategies align with the organization's overarching mission to build resilience against food insecurity. Guy Onambele's work directly impacts the lives of millions, fostering sustainable solutions and contributing to global food stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding World Food Programme Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads World Food Programme?
    World Food Programme is led by Elder Nunes (President of WFP-TL National Staff Association), along with executives such as Rossi Palmieri (President) and Marceline Gakobwa (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of World Food Programme’s executive team?
    The executive team of World Food Programme includes leaders such as Elder Nunes (President of WFP-TL National Staff Association), Rossi Palmieri (President), Marceline Gakobwa (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does World Food Programme have?
    World Food Programme has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in World Food Programme’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of World Food Programme includes roles such as President of WFP-TL National Staff Association, President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Programme Officer.