CIMMYT is led by a Director General, who is appointed and reports to the CIMMYT Board of Trustees.
The Director General develops and articulates strategies and operating plans to realize the vision and mission of CIMMYT. He/she is responsible for developing a coherent, effective and efficient organization, including the development of work programs, research projects and innovations, budget and fundraising, all while ensuring sustained progress towards the achievement of the mission: to improve livelihoods through maize and wheat science. Overseen by the Director General, CIMMYT strives to achieve this through excellent science for impact, carried out by partnerships with strong emphasis on capacity development.
A key task of this role is to establish and nurture alliances and relationships with partners in the public and private sectors. The Director General represents CIMMYT in international fora and to funding and research partners. In addition to representing CIMMYT, the Director General manages planning, finance, human resources, administration and control systems ensuring compliance.
Current Director General ad interim
2021 to present | Bram Govaerts
Former Directors General
2015 to 2021 | Martin Kropff
2009 to 2015 | Thomas A. Lumpkin
2002 to 2008 | Masaru Iwanaga
1995 to 2002 | Timothy G. Reeves
1985 to 1994 | Donald L. Winkelmann
1978 to 1985 | Robert D. Havener
1972 to 1978 | Haldore Hanson
1966 to 1971 | Edwin J. Wellhausen
