Thelma Ekiyor Appointed CEO of Women for Women International

• Women for Women International appoints Thelma Ekiyor as new CEO to drive global strategy
•  She will advocate and champion towards women’s economic power and social impact
• Leveraging her expertise, she has spearheaded international collaborations promoting women’s impact in philanthropy at a global level

With a career spanning 25 years in international development, Thelma Ekiyor joins Women for Women International as Global CEO to champion women’s economic power and social impact. Drawing expertise from a rich history of leading transformative organizations, Ekiyor previously chartered Nigeria’s Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, co-founded Afrigrants to fund women micro-businesses.

Ekiyor said: “I am passionate about investing in women and creating opportunities that drive investment in social good. Women for Women International’s mission supporting women survivors of war and women-led enterprises is very close to my heart and I am excited to be part of a team that is working to ensure every woman realises her power and reaches her full potential.”

Bringing in wealth of both ethnicities; a Nigerian based in the UK, Ekiyor has championed global partnerships and cross-sector initiatives, including her roles on R2P’s International Advisory Board and as co-chair of WIPIA. With the global sector facing unprecedented challenges, Ms. Ekiyor steps in to provide visionary leadership and steer organization forward owing to her expertise and skillset position.

Board chair, Nunu Ntshingila, said; “Among a shortlist of brilliant candidates, Thelma Ekiyor’s experience, talent and leadership shone brightly. Her commitment to investing in women and supporting them to transform lives and communities was clear. We are grateful to our board for taking part in an extensive interview process and to our colleague, Marie Clarke, who has led the organisation as acting CEO for the last nine months.”