Luke J. Lindberg Appointed Executive Director of UN World Food Programme
U.S. Welcomes New WFP Chief, Highlights Reform, Accountability and Humanitarian Delivery
By Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS
Washington/Rome, September 19, 2026: The United States has welcomed the appointment of Luke J. Lindberg as the next Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), following a decision by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu after consultations with the WFP Executive Board. (World Food Programme)
In a statement issued on September 18, the U.S. said Lindberg’s appointment would continue the country’s longstanding engagement with the WFP. Washington described the organization as an important partner in international efforts to address hunger and humanitarian needs.
The United States, which has been the WFP’s largest donor since the organization’s establishment in 1961, said it expects the incoming Executive Director to advance reforms focused on the agency’s core mandate, operational effectiveness and stronger relationships with donors.
Lindberg’s Background
Lindberg is currently the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Before joining the USDA in 2025, he founded and led South Dakota Trade, a public-private initiative aimed at expanding international market opportunities for exporters from the state. (World Food Programme)
Earlier, he served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States. He also held positions at Sanford Health and Sanford World Clinic, where he was involved in international health operations across seven countries.
Lindberg holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Public Policy and Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. (World Food Programme)
Taking Charge of WFP
Lindberg succeeds Cindy McCain, who served as WFP Executive Director from April 2023 until May 2026. Following her departure, WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau served as Acting Executive Director during the leadership transition. (World Food Programme)
The WFP said its Executive Director is appointed for a five-year term by the UN Secretary-General and FAO Director-General after consultation with the Executive Board. (WFP Executive Board)
The WFP Executive Board said Lindberg will take leadership of an organization operating amid significant humanitarian challenges. According to the WFP, as many as 266 million people are currently facing acute food insecurity, while the agency provides assistance to more than 100 million people across 83 countries. (World Food Programme)
The United States said it looks forward to working with Lindberg as he takes up the position and as the WFP continues its humanitarian mission of providing food assistance to people facing hunger and crisis.
— Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
