Thelma Ekiyor Named Global CEO of Women for Women Intl

• Women for Women International appointed Thelma Ekiyor as its new Global CEO
• Thelma Ekiyor brings over 25 years of experience in international development, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship

Women for Women International (WfWI) has announced the appointment of Thelma Ekiyor as its new Global Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new chapter for the global nonprofit known for advancing women’s economic empowerment and social resilience in post-conflict and marginalized communities.

Thelma, a Nigerian impact investor and development leader, brings over 25 years of experience in international development, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship across Africa, Europe, and the UK. Her appointment reflects WfWI’s deepened commitment to strengthening women-led economies and driving inclusive global growth.

Announcing the appointment, WfWI Board Chair Nunu Ntshingila praised Ekiyor’s “exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication to investing in women and transforming communities,” and extended gratitude to Marie Clarke, who served as Acting CEO for nine months, “with immense dedication.”

Before joining WfWI, Ekiyor held several pioneering roles, including Chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing under the Office of the Vice President, Founding CEO of SME.NG Nigeria’s largest all-women accelerator, Founder of Afrigrants, and Executive Director of the TY Danjuma Foundation. She also served as the Founding Director of the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Ghana.

A doctoral researcher at Cranfield University (UK), Ekiyor also holds an MBA from Imperial College London and an LLB from the University of Buckingham. Her global influence in gender-lens investing and catalytic finance positions her to lead WfWI into a transformative future for women worldwide.