Global Fund Will Select New Executive Director
The international health partnership will announce a new leader to guide its global operations starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
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The Global Fund has shortlisted five candidates for the position of executive director. The organization will appoint its new leader during the 56th board meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, held from October 28 to 30, 2026.
Why it matters
The executive director selection process determines the strategic focus and operational priorities for the partnership's international health initiatives. This change in leadership will influence how the organization manages its global health programs and partnerships beginning in early 2027.
The search for the new executive director involves 5 shortlisted candidates competing for the top leadership role. The selection will be finalized during the 56th meeting of the Global Fund Board.
The players
Richard Hatchett
Serves as the chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a global foundation focused on developing vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
Lutz Hegemann
Serves as the president of global health at Novartis, a multinational pharmaceutical company with a large footprint in developing-market healthcare accessibility.
Joyce Msuya
Previously served as an assistant secretary-general and deputy emergency relief coordinator at the United Nations, overseeing humanitarian and crisis response operations.
Janti Soeripto
Serves as the president and chief executive officer of Save the Children US, a large non-profit organization focused on international development and humanitarian aid.
Mark Dybul
Served as the executive director of the Global Fund from 2013 to 2017, leading the organization through significant shifts in its funding and operational model.
The details
The Executive Director Nomination Committee oversaw a global search that began in February 2026. Following multiple interview rounds, the board narrowed the field of applicants to five candidates. The successful appointee will transition into the role during the first quarter of 2027 to oversee the organization's mission and operations.
Timeline
February 2026: The global search process commenced.
October 28-30, 2026: The Global Fund Board convenes its 56th meeting in Geneva.
October 2026: Appointment of the new executive director is expected.
Q1 2027: The new executive director assumes office.
Market Landscape
The search for a new leader marks a transition period following the prior leadership era established during the 2013-2017 tenure of Mark Dybul. This appointment marks the conclusion of the search process and a shift in leadership for the organization.
Operators engaged with international health partners should monitor the appointment announcement scheduled for late October. The new director's background, whether from the pharmaceutical, non-profit, or governmental sectors, will likely shift the organization's procurement and partnership priorities.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new executive director is a key signal for the future policy direction of the Global Fund. Stakeholders should track the final selection in late October to anticipate upcoming shifts in organizational strategy for 2027.
Further reading
For broader trends in executive leadership shifts, see the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New Times.
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