Women for Women International (WfWI) has announced the appointment of Thelma Ekiyor as its new Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Ekiyor brings 25 years of professional experience in international development to the role and an award-winning career dedicated to women’s economic power and social entrepreneurship.

Speaking, WfWI Board Chair, Nunu Ntshingila, said, “Among a shortlist of brilliant candidates, Ekiyor’s experience, talent, and leadership shone brightly. Her deep commitment to investing in women and supporting them to transform their lives and communities was crystal clear. We are incredibly 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 past nine months with immense dedication.”

Prior to joining WfWI, Ekiyor served in pioneering roles or led several innovative organisations, including serving as Chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, domiciled in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria; SME.NG, where she co-founded the largest all-women’s accelerator in Nigeria; Afrigrants, which provided financing for women’s micro-businesses; the TY Danjuma Foundation; and the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Ghana.