Washington, DC, USA
November 18, 2009

It is with great pleasure that I would like to announce that Shenggen Fan (photo) has been selected to succeed Joachim von Braun as IFPRI’s director general. Earlier this year, Joachim von Braun decided to resume his position as director of the Center for Development Research and professor of Economics and Technological Change at the University of Bonn in mid-December.

Shenggen Fan has an excellent record of research publications and of research leadership. He joined IFPRI almost 15 years ago as a research fellow. In 2005, he became director of IFPRI’s Development Strategy and Governance Division, which has grown considerably in size and scope under his leadership. He also served as Director of the International Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and is an Executive Committee member of the International Association of Agricultural Economists. He received a PhD in applied economics from the University of Minnesota.

We are confident that under Shenggen Fan’s direction and guidance, IFPRI will continue to grow in stature as a leading research organization focused on sustainable policies to end hunger, reduce poverty, and enhance rural development.

IFPRI looks forward to continuing its collaboration with you, and we are happy to provide you with any additional information you may need.

Website: http://www.ifpri.org

Published: November 18, 2009