Marianne Bänziger will move from her current position as director of the Global Maize Program (GMP) to become CIMMYT’s new deputy director general for research and partnerships, starting 1 October 2009. CIMMYT will refill the position of GMP director vacated by Bänziger as soon as a highly qualified candidate is identified. Between 1 October 2009 and the time it takes to fill the GMP director position, responsibilities will be assigned as follows:
- Bänziger will supervise GMP activities in Asia and backstop major cross-program maize projects in Africa. She will also remain principal investigator for the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) project.
- Wilfred Mwangi, associate director, Africa, will supervise GMP activities in Africa.
- Gary Atlin, associate director, molecular breeding, will supervise GMP activities in Latin America and all maize biotechnology activities.
- Kevin Pixley will be moving to the University of Wisconsin effective 1 November 2009 from where he will continue to oversee global Maize Harvest Plus activities.
Two recent appointments within GMP will facilitate these changes: FĂ©lix San Vincente will start as senior scientist, maize breeder, Latin America in January 2010 and a soon-to-be-announced candidate will start as senior scientist, lead maize breeder for DTMA in October 2009. Both scientists bring highly relevant experience from the public and private sector.
Nutrition, health and food security 
