Mashal Hussain named new president of The World Food Prize Foundation

The World Food Prize Foundation has announced a leadership transition, appointing Mashal Husain as its new President, effective February 1, 2025. Husain, who has been with the organization for over 16 years and most recently served as its Chief Operating Officer, will succeed former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

Husain is a prominent leader in global food security and brings a deeply personal connection to her work. “I am deeply honored to step into this role. I grew up surrounded by poverty and hunger,” she shared in an interview “I have always remembered that food security is paramount.” Having lived in Pakistan, Tanzania, Thailand, and the Philippines, her international experiences have shaped her commitment to creating equitable solutions for global challenges.

Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug, the World Food Prize Foundation champions the mission of ensuring a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all. This year’s prestigious World Food Prize was awarded to Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin, recognized for their pivotal roles in establishing the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a cornerstone of global agricultural resilience.

As part of its strategic vision, the Des Moines, Iowa-based foundation is creating a new Chief Executive Officer position to broaden its global reach. Husain will report to the new CEO, whose search is currently underway. The CEO will be tasked with expanding the foundation’s events and programming beyond the United States.

In recent years, the foundation has intensified its focus on youth education and empowerment, expanding its programs across 20 U.S. states and six countries. The foundation collaborates with university and high school students, addressing critical challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, nutrition, inequity, and food security.

“I think the foundation is a bridge connecting the global food systems community,” said Husain. This leadership change signals a continued commitment to driving transformative solutions on a global scale.