World Vision Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

World Vision has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, human resources, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to global impact, World Vision combines staff efforts with donated goods to fight poverty worldwide, embodying a leadership philosophy centered on compassionate service and sustainable development.

Leadership Roles at World Vision

  • Chief Executive Officer - Susan Mbulirwa
  • Chief Financial Officer - Rebecca Lees
  • Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support - Luís Assunção
  • Chief Operating Officer and SDO - Southern Africa Region - Abi Riak
  • Chief Operating Officer, ) (South, Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific) - Sarah Bearup
  • Administrator. President's Office - Ashley Votaw
  • Chief Information Officer - Bogdan Nita
  • Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President, Digital - Horace Matthews
  • Global Director, Enterprise Information Technology Services & Chief Technology Officer - Terence Yong
  • Chief People Officer - Eman Zarour
  • Susan Mbulirwa - Chief Executive Officer

    Susan Mbulirwa, the Chief Executive Officer at World Vision, directs the organization's overarching strategy and global operations. Overseeing all functional areas, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission to combat poverty through Christian relief and development efforts. This leadership position involves guiding international teams and fostering partnerships to maximize impact across diverse regions. By integrating staff efforts with donated goods, Susan Mbulirwa drives the organization's capacity to deliver essential aid and long-term solutions. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding reach and deepening the effectiveness of World Vision's programs worldwide, securing sustainable progress for vulnerable communities.

    Rebecca Lees - Chief Financial Officer

    Rebecca Lees, the Chief Financial Officer at World Vision, manages the organization's financial health and resource allocation. Overseeing all fiscal operations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability in managing donated goods and operational budgets. This critical role involves developing financial strategies, optimizing investment of funds, and maintaining compliance with international financial regulations. By providing sound financial oversight, Rebecca Lees supports the effective deployment of resources to combat poverty globally. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for sustaining World Vision's extensive relief and development programs, ensuring long-term viability and maximizing humanitarian impact.

    Luís Assunção - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support

    Luís Assunção, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support at World Vision, directs financial strategy and oversees essential corporate services. Managing fiscal operations and support functions, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support ensures efficient resource utilization and operational continuity. This position involves strategic financial planning, budget management, and the provision of critical administrative support to facilitate global relief and development efforts. By integrating financial acumen with robust corporate services, Luís Assunção enhances the organization's capacity to fight poverty effectively. The Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support's dual focus ensures that both financial integrity and operational infrastructure are optimized for maximum humanitarian impact.

    Abi Riak - Chief Operating Officer and SDO - Southern Africa Region

    Abi Riak, the Chief Operating Officer and SDO - Southern Africa Region at World Vision, spearheads operational execution and strategic development within the Southern Africa region. Overseeing all regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer and SDO ensures the effective implementation of relief and development programs. This leadership role involves managing local teams, optimizing resource deployment, and adapting global strategies to regional needs. By driving operational excellence, Abi Riak enhances World Vision's capacity to combat poverty and deliver critical aid across Southern Africa. The Chief Operating Officer and SDO's deep understanding of the region is crucial for maximizing the impact of staff efforts and donated goods.

    Sarah Bearup - Chief Operating Officer, ) (South, Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific)

    Sarah Bearup, the Chief Operating Officer, ) (South, Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific) at World Vision, directs operational strategies across the South and Asia Pacific regions. Overseeing complex program delivery, the Chief Operating Officer ensures efficient execution of relief and development initiatives in diverse cultural and economic landscapes. This role involves managing cross-regional teams, optimizing supply chains for donated goods, and fostering collaborative partnerships to address poverty. By driving operational effectiveness, Sarah Bearup amplifies World Vision's impact throughout these vital territories. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on sustainable program growth and maximizing the reach of humanitarian efforts in the Asia Pacific.
    Sarah Bearup

    Ashley Votaw - Administrator. President's Office

    Ashley Votaw, the Administrator. President's Office at World Vision, provides critical administrative support and operational coordination for the President's office. Overseeing key administrative functions, the Administrator. President's Office ensures seamless workflow and efficient management of executive priorities related to combating poverty. This role involves managing schedules, facilitating communication, and supporting strategic initiatives that drive the organization's relief and development efforts. By maintaining operational efficiency, Ashley Votaw enables the President's office to focus on high-level decision-making and global outreach. The Administrator. President's Office plays a vital part in the smooth functioning of World Vision's mission-critical activities.

    Bogdan Nita - Chief Information Officer

    Bogdan Nita, the Chief Information Officer at World Vision, architects the organization's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing all IT operations, the Chief Information Officer ensures robust systems support the global fight against poverty. This role involves managing data security, implementing innovative technological solutions, and enhancing digital platforms for efficient relief and development work. By driving technological advancements, Bogdan Nita enables better coordination of staff efforts and donated goods across international programs. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision focuses on leveraging technology to amplify World Vision's reach and operational effectiveness, ensuring seamless information flow for critical decision-making.

    Horace Matthews - Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President, Digital

    Horace Matthews, the Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President, Digital at World Vision, leads the organization's digital technology strategy and implementation. Overseeing all digital transformation efforts, the Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President, Digital ensures technology enhances the delivery of relief and development services. This position involves driving innovation in digital platforms, managing IT infrastructure, and enhancing data analytics capabilities to better combat poverty. By advancing digital solutions, Horace Matthews optimizes the use of staff efforts and donated goods across global programs. The Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President, Digital's vision is to leverage technology for greater efficiency and expanded reach in humanitarian work.

    Terence Yong - Global Director, Enterprise Information Technology Services & Chief Technology Officer

    Terence Yong, the Global Director, Enterprise Information Technology Services & Chief Technology Officer at World Vision, architects the organization's technological vision and IT service delivery. Overseeing global IT infrastructure and services, the Global Director, Enterprise Information Technology Services & Chief Technology Officer ensures robust, scalable systems support World Vision's mission. This role involves setting technology standards, managing enterprise-wide IT solutions, and driving innovation to enhance operational efficiency in fighting poverty. By leading technological advancements, Terence Yong enables more effective coordination of staff efforts and donated goods worldwide. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic focus is on future-proofing the organization's technology landscape for sustained humanitarian impact.

    Eman Zarour - Chief People Officer

    Eman Zarour, the Chief People Officer at World Vision, directs human capital strategy and organizational development. Overseeing all aspects of human resources, the Chief People Officer ensures a skilled, motivated workforce dedicated to fighting poverty. This leadership role involves talent acquisition, employee engagement, and fostering a positive organizational culture that supports global relief and development efforts. By prioritizing people, Eman Zarour enhances the effectiveness of staff contributions and the efficient management of donated goods. The Chief People Officer's commitment to talent development is crucial for sustaining World Vision's mission and maximizing its humanitarian impact across diverse regions.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding World Vision Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads World Vision?
    World Vision is led by Susan Mbulirwa (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rebecca Lees (Chief Financial Officer) and Luís Assunção (Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support).
    Who is part of World Vision’s executive team?
    The executive team of World Vision includes leaders such as Susan Mbulirwa (Chief Executive Officer), Rebecca Lees (Chief Financial Officer), Luís Assunção (Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does World Vision have?
    World Vision has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in World Vision’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of World Vision includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support, Chief Operating Officer and SDO - Southern Africa Region, Chief Operating Officer, ) (South, Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific).