World Vision Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to global impact, World Vision combines staff efforts with donated goods to fight poverty worldwide, embodying a philosophy of 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
  • 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
  • Team Captain - Linsey Lyons
  • Susan Mbulirwa - Chief Executive Officer

    Susan Mbulirwa, the Chief Executive Officer at World Vision, directs the organization's overarching strategy and global operations. Mbulirwa spearheads initiatives to combat poverty through integrated relief and development programs, leveraging donated goods and staff expertise. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for World Vision's worldwide impact, ensuring alignment with its Christian mission. Overseeing all major organizational functions, Susan Mbulirwa drives the execution of programs designed to uplift vulnerable communities. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering partnerships and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to maximize the organization's reach and effectiveness in addressing global humanitarian needs.

    Rebecca Lees - Chief Financial Officer

    Rebecca Lees, the Chief Financial Officer at World Vision, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Lees oversees all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. This leadership position is vital for sustaining World Vision's extensive relief and development efforts globally. Rebecca Lees drives financial strategies that support the fight against poverty, optimizing the use of donated goods and funds. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing financial risks, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and providing critical financial insights to guide organizational decision-making and long-term sustainability.

    Luís Assunção - Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support

    Luís Assunção, the Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support at World Vision, manages the financial operations and provides essential corporate support services. Assunção oversees financial planning, budgeting, and resource management to ensure the effective deployment of funds in anti-poverty initiatives. This role is integral to maintaining the financial integrity and operational capacity of the organization. Luís Assunção drives financial strategies that enable World Vision to expand its reach and impact in vulnerable communities. The Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Support's responsibilities include ensuring compliance, optimizing financial processes, and supporting strategic decision-making through accurate financial analysis and reporting.

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

    Abi Riak, the Chief Operating Officer and SDO - Southern Africa Region at World Vision, directs operational execution and strategic development within the Southern Africa region. Riak oversees the implementation of relief and development programs, ensuring they effectively combat poverty and align with World Vision's mission. This role involves managing regional staff, resources, and partnerships to maximize impact. Abi Riak drives operational efficiency and program effectiveness across the Southern Africa territory. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include adapting global strategies to local contexts, ensuring program quality, and fostering sustainable community development initiatives throughout the region.

    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 and program implementation across the South Asia Pacific regions. Bearup oversees the execution of relief and development projects, focusing on combating poverty and improving community well-being. This leadership position is key to ensuring effective program delivery and resource management in these critical areas. Sarah Bearup drives operational excellence and strategic growth within the specified Asia Pacific territories. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing regional teams, fostering local partnerships, and ensuring that programs are responsive to the unique needs of the communities served.
    Sarah Bearup

    Bogdan Nita - Chief Information Officer

    Bogdan Nita, the Chief Information Officer at World Vision, architects the organization's technology infrastructure and digital transformation strategies. Nita oversees the development and implementation of IT solutions that support World Vision's global mission to fight poverty. This critical role involves ensuring the security, scalability, and efficiency of all information systems, enabling seamless operations across diverse regions. Bogdan Nita drives innovation in technology to enhance program delivery and operational effectiveness. The Chief Information Officer's focus includes managing data integrity, supporting digital communication channels, and providing robust technological support to field staff worldwide, thereby amplifying the organization's impact.

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

    Horace Matthews, the Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President, Digital at World Vision, leads the digital technology strategy and its integration across global operations. Matthews oversees the development and deployment of digital platforms and solutions that enhance World Vision's capacity to fight poverty. This dual role focuses on both the foundational IT infrastructure and the innovative application of digital tools for maximum program impact. Horace Matthews drives digital transformation initiatives, ensuring technology effectively supports the organization's humanitarian mission. The Chief Information Officer & IT Vice President's responsibilities include leveraging data analytics, cloud computing, and digital engagement strategies to improve service delivery and operational reach.

    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, oversees the delivery and management of enterprise-wide IT services. Yong directs the technological roadmap, ensuring robust and scalable IT solutions support World Vision's global mission to alleviate poverty. This position is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and driving technological innovation across all organizational functions. Terence Yong champions the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency. The Global Director, Enterprise Information Technology Services & Chief Technology Officer's mandate includes managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology service delivery to empower staff and partners worldwide.

    Eman Zarour - Chief People Officer

    Eman Zarour, the Chief People Officer at World Vision, leads the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives across the organization. Zarour oversees recruitment, employee development, compensation, and organizational culture, ensuring World Vision attracts and retains skilled professionals dedicated to its mission. This role is fundamental to building and sustaining a high-performing workforce committed to fighting poverty. Eman Zarour drives initiatives that foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, enabling staff to effectively deliver humanitarian aid. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities include developing talent strategies, promoting employee engagement, and ensuring compliance with labor laws globally.

    Linsey Lyons - Team Captain

    Linsey Lyons, the Team Captain at World Vision, leads and coordinates specific project teams focused on delivering critical humanitarian aid and development initiatives. Lyons ensures effective collaboration among team members, driving the successful execution of assigned tasks and objectives. This role is vital for operational efficiency and the achievement of project-specific goals in the fight against poverty. Linsey Lyons motivates team members and facilitates communication to overcome challenges and achieve program milestones. The Team Captain's responsibilities include guiding team efforts, monitoring progress, and ensuring that project deliverables align with World Vision's broader mission and standards.

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    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.