World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain announces plans to step down to focus on her health

Executive Director McCain, who suffered a mild stroke in October 2025, returned in early January to the organization's headquarters in Rome, Italy to resume her duties. She wasted no time assuming the many responsibilities of leading the world's frontline agency tackling a multitude of hunger crises across the globe, but found the demands of the job were outpacing her recovery.

"With a heavy heart, I am announcing my intention to step down as the Executive Director of the World Food Programme," said McCain. "Serving this incredible organization has been the honor of a lifetime.

"I've seen firsthand WFP's ability to save lives in the most dangerous, destitute, and remote locations of the world, where people need us the most. Time and time again, I have seen the WFP team show up where no one else can, no matter the odds. I had truly hoped I could finish out my term, but my health has not recovered to a level that allows me to fully serve the enormous demands of this job. This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.

"Over the past three years, we have delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance for millions of the world's most vulnerable people - and this unwavering commitment will be more important than ever in the years to come. To our donors, partners and our global WFP team: thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I will remain WFP's biggest champion and continue to be an unwavering voice for those struggling with hunger everywhere."

Executive Director McCain assumed the role of WFP Executive Director on April 5, 2023. During her tenure she has driven several unprecedented changes to reform and scale the organization's abilities including overhauling its global structure, streamlining its operations and processes, scaling innovative digital technologies, and diversifying its public and private partnership efforts.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.