IFOAM – Organics International Announces Executive Director Leadership Transition
The World Board of IFOAM – Organics International announces that Executive Director Ravi R. Prasad will step aside from his role at the end of September 2026.
As IFOAM – Organics International enters a new phase following the membership's decision to adopt a new governance structure, Ravi Prasad and the World Board have jointly agreed that this is the right moment for a leadership transition. Mr. Prasad believes that the organisation now requires a leader with the specific skills to implement the governance reforms and guide it through its next stage of development. The decision was reached in close agreement with the World Board, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful succession process.
On behalf of the World Board, President Karen Mapusua expressed her sincere appreciation for Mr. Prasad's leadership and commitment over the past almost three years.
"Ravi joined the organisation as we were regrouping after coming through a very challenging financial situation. Under his guidance, we successfully delivered the Organic World Congress and General Assembly in Taiwan and steered the governance reform process from its earliest stages with the Governance Reforms Taskforce, through the Governance Advisory Board, to its culmination at the recent Extraordinary General Assembly. These achievements have laid a strong foundation for our organisation's future."
The World Board will shortly begin the search for a new Executive Director who can build on this foundation and lead the implementation of the governance reforms endorsed by the membership. Further updates will be shared as the recruitment process progresses.
Karen Mapusua also thanked Ravi personally for his dedication and genuine commitment to IFOAM's global membership.
"On a personal note, I want to thank Ravi for his tireless work, dedication, and genuine care for this network of members who share a commitment to building a better world through organic agriculture."
After nearly three years of being part of the IFOAM – Organics International family, I will be leaving at the end of September.
As IFOAM moves ahead into a new phase following the membership's decision to adopt the new governance structure, I believe it needs a new leader with the skill sets required to implement these reforms and take the organisation forward. In agreement with the World Board, I have decided to step aside and support a smooth succession. The World Board will soon begin the search for a new Executive Director.
I am thankful to the World Board for giving me the opportunity to lead this network of highly committed members, who are passionate about making the world a better place, and for accepting my decision to leave.
During my time at IFOAM, we successfully organised the Organic World Congress and General Assembly in Taiwan and implemented the two-year governance reform process, beginning with the Governance Reforms Taskforce, continuing through the Governance Advisory Board, and culminating in the Extraordinary General Assembly in June. There was never a dull moment.
I am grateful to the members for their unstinting support.
The World Board and the staff of IFOAM – Organics International thank Ravi for his leadership and dedication, wish him every success in the next chapter of his professional journey, and look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation established during his tenure.