ICRISAT Announces Transition of Leadership as Dr Jacqueline Hughes Hands Over to Interim Director General Dr Stanford Blade

Media Release

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) announces a transition of leadership as Dr Jacqueline Hughes, the outgoing Director General, hands over official duties to Dr Stanford Blade, who will serve as Director General - Interim.

Dr Blade currently serves as Deputy Director General - Research and will guide the institute during this period of transition until the new Director General, Dr Himanshu Pathak, takes up the position next year.

Dr Hughes expressed confidence in Dr Blade’s leadership as he assumes the role of Director General - Interim. "I leave ICRISAT in capable hands, knowing that Dr Blade’s deep commitment to our mission and his strategic expertise will ensure continuity as we advance our work in resilient agriculture," stated Dr Hughes.

As Director General - Interim, Dr Blade is committed to reinforcing ICRISAT's position as a leader in dryland agricultural research, championing scientific innovation, resilience-building, and partnerships.

“I am honored to serve as a bridge for ICRISAT during this pivotal time, ensuring we maintain momentum until Dr Pathak joins us next year. Together, we remain dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers and delivering on our promise of a more food-secure and climate-resilient future,” said Dr Blade.

ICRISAT thanks Dr Hughes for her exceptional leadership and welcomes Dr Blade to this vital interim role. The institute looks forward to continuing its mission with renewed commitment and advancing agricultural innovations that benefit dryland communities worldwide.

​ ​ ​ ​

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tahira Carter

Tahira Carter

Head – Communications

Related Articles:

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on the 28 March 1972. In accordance with the Headquarters Agreement, the Government of India has extended the status of a specified “International Organisation” to ICRISAT under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 of the Republic of India through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. UI/222(66)/71, dated 28 October 1972, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Our offices:

Asia: India (Headquarters - Hyderabad)

East and Southern Africa:  Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe

West and Central Africa: Mali, Niger, Nigeria

For all media inquiries, please email: info.comms@icrisat.org

Contact

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

+917207953350

info.comms@icrisat.org

www.icrisat.org