Thelma Ekiyor has been appointed as the new global chief executive officer of the Women for Women International (WfWI). Ekiyor brings 25 years of professional experience in international development to the role and an award-winning career dedicated to women’s economic power and social entrepreneurship.
“Among a shortlist of brilliant candidates, Thelma Ekiyor’s experience, talent and leadership shone brightly. Her deep commitment to investing in women and supporting them to transform their lives and communities was crystal clear,” said, Nunu Ntshingila, WfWI board chair.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Board for taking part in an extensive interview process and to our colleague Marie Clarke who has led the organisation as acting CEO for the past nine months with immense dedication.”
Prior to joining WfWI, as a seasoned leader, Ekiyor has served in pioneering roles or led several innovative organisations, including serving as chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, domiciled in the office of the Vice President of Nigeria, SME.NG.
During her time there, she co-founded the largest all-women’s accelerator in Nigeria, Afrigrants, which provided financing for women’s micro-businesses, TY Danjuma Foundation, and the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Ghana.
“I am passionate about investing in women and creating opportunities that drive investment in social good,” Ekiyor said, when commenting on her appointment.
“WfWI’s mission supporting women survivors of war and women-led enterprises is very close to my heart and I am excited to be part of a team that is working to ensure every woman realizes her power and reaches her full potential,” she noted.
She takes the helm at a time of immense change and uncertainty in the global development sector. Her wealth of skills and experience will be invaluable to Women for Women International as she leads the organization into the next chapter.
Throughout her career, she has worked with the private sector, governments, civil society, the media, philanthropists, and impact investors, fostering innovation and building successful coalitions.
As a Nigerian, based in the UK, she has been the driving force behind various cross-sector networks and international partnerships.
Ekiyor also served on the International Advisory Board of the Global Centre on Responsibility to Protect (R2P) based in New York and she is the co-founder and co-chair of Women in Philanthropy & Impact (WIPIA), supporting African women’s leadership in philanthropy and impact across the world.
