The Global Crop Diversity Trust announced the appointment of Dr. Stefan Schmitz as its next Executive Director. Dr. Schmitz will take up his position in early 2020, succeeding Marie Haga who has led the Trust for the past seven years and who will leave the position in December.
Sir Peter Crane, Chair of the Crop Trust’s Board, said, “We’re truly fortunate that Stefan will be joining the Crop Trust as our next Executive Director. He is someone deeply committed to safeguarding the plant genetic resources that the world needs to meet the many challenges facing agriculture in a world experiencing rapid environmental change, including climate change. Stefan’s knowledge of the Trust will also help ensure a smooth transition and continuity of our key programs. I have no doubt that Stefan will sustain and build upon the exceptional leadership that Marie Haga has provided.”
Dr. Schmitz joined the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in 2001 and has been Deputy Director General and Commissioner for BMZ’s “One World – No Hunger” initiative since it was created in 2014. Dr. Schmitz is currently Vice-chair of the Crop Trust Donor’s Council and also Chair of the Trust’s ad hoc Working Group on Innovative Finance.
“I am delighted to be joining the Crop Trust as its next Executive Director,” Schmitz said. “I know the Trust quite well, through serving on the Donor’s Council, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie before us. We must ensure that both international and national genebanks have the support they need to do their vital job of guaranteeing the future of food.”
Marie Haga, the outgoing Executive Director, welcomed the appointment. “Stefan Schmitz has been a committed and highly effective member of the Donor’s Council, and a true friend of the Crop Trust,” she said. “The organization, and its vital partnerships, are in very safe and capable hands.”
For more information:
The Crop Trust
Platz Der Vereinten Nationen 7 53113 Bonn, Germany
+49 (0) 228 85427 122
[email protected]
www.croptrust.org