São Paulo (January 29, 2026) - World Resources Institute (WRI) today announced the appointment of Mirela Sandrini as Executive Director of WRI Brasil, following her successful tenure as Interim Executive Director.

Based in São Paulo, Sandrini brings more than two decades of leadership in sustainability, philanthropy and public policy, with deep experience working to advance socio-environmental solutions through collaboration with government, civil society and the private sector.

During her interim tenure, she led WRI Brasil through a period of growth and strategic consolidation, strengthening and expanding the organization's influence at a pivotal moment for Brasil's leadership on the global climate and nature agenda, including during the country's hosting of COP30.

Building on this foundation, Sandrini will continue to lead a renewed country strategy and guide a team of nearly 160 professionals working to redesign cities, transform food, land and water systems, and accelerate Brasil's transition to a low-carbon economy.

"This is a consequential moment for Brasil, with decisions shaping global emissions, biodiversity and the future of the Amazon," said Adriana Lobo, Managing Director of Global Presence and National Action, World Resources Institute. "Mirela brings the judgment and steadiness this moment demands, along with deep insight into Brasil's policy landscape. She has earned the trust of staff, partners and the Board, and we are pleased to confirm her as Executive Director."

"Mirela's year as Acting Director involved especially close coordination with the WRI Brasil Board as the organization navigated change," said Johannes van de Ven, President of the WRI Brasil Board. "Her ability to lead that process - working constructively with the Board - reinforced sound governance and continuity at a critical time. It's what gives us confidence in her appointment as Executive Director."

Prior to serving as Interim Executive Director, Sandrini was Forest and Land Use Director at WRI Brasil. She previously held senior leadership roles in philanthropy and sustainability, including as Regional Director for Latin America at Porticus, where she helped shape the organization's regional strategy with a focus on climate change, human rights and education.

"It's an honor to continue leading WRI Brasil at such a defining moment," said Sandrini. "I'm grateful for the trust placed in me and proud of our team's work. Our focus now is on turning evidence into action - showing that Brasil can protect its natural wealth, build a competitive low-carbon economy and lead globally on climate and development."

Sandrini holds a master's degree in Sustainability from Fundação Getulio Vargas (São Paulo) and an MBA in Business Management from Ibmec (Rio de Janeiro).

About World Resources Institute (WRI)
WRI works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

• Darla Bijou van Hoorn

  Media Relations Manager