Functions
The CIMMYT Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s mission and ensuring its success. The Board is responsible for setting the objectives and overall strategic direction of CIMMYT. This includes reviewing and approving the Center’s strategy, business plan, and annual budget.
In addition to these strategic responsibilities, the Board closely monitors a range of metrics to assess the Center’s management and performance. A critical function of the Board is the appointment and oversight of the Director General, ensuring that CIMMYT’s leadership aligns with its goals and values, and drives the organization toward impactful outcomes.
Members of the CIMMYT Board of Trustees are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. They act with integrity and in good faith, always prioritizing CIMMYT’s best interests. In every decision and action, Board members adhere strictly to all applicable policies, rules, procedures, and legal requirements.
Beyond their ethical obligations, Board members are expected to engage actively, responsibly, and constructively in the Board’s work. Their participation is crucial in guiding CIMMYT’s mission and ensuring the organization’s continued impact and success on a global scale.
Organization and structure
CIMMYT’s Board of Trustees is composed of a distinguished group of globally recognized experts, each bringing a wealth of experience across a wide range of disciplines. The Board members collectively represent a diverse array of expertise, including agricultural science, development policy, financial management, business management, economics, and other key professional fields.
The Board is structured to include up to 12 voting members, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive governance approach. Of these, one member is appointed directly by the Government of Mexico.
In addition to the voting members, the Board includes four non-voting members who play a crucial advisory role. Among these non-voting members are a representative from the Government of Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CIMMYT’s Director General, ensuring that key perspectives are included in discussions.
The Board’s leadership is further enhanced by the role of Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, who serves as the Honorary Chair, underscoring the strong partnership between CIMMYT and the Mexican government.
Through this diverse and highly experienced Board, CIMMYT continues to drive its mission forward, fostering innovation and impact in agricultural research and development on a global scale.
Chair (Voting Member)
Margaret Bath
Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Other voting Members
Agnes Kalibata
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Ajay Kumar Sood
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Anne Eriksson
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Celso Moretti
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Elsa Murano
Vice Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Jan A. Delcour
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Juan Cortina
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Matthew Morell
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Miguel García Winder
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Molly Jahn
Member of CIMMYT Board Member
Honorary Chair (Non-voting Member)
Julio Berdegué Sacristán
Honorary Chair, CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Other non-voting Members
Aaron Maniam
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Bram Govaerts
Director General and Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
Enrique Ochoa Martínez
Member of CIMMYT Board of Trustees
John Milner
Member of CIMMYT Board Audit Committee
Pauline Paledi
Member of CIMMYT Board Audit Committee