CGIAR has appointed Dr. Gary C. Jahn as Head of the CGIAR Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific, effective 2 March 2026.

Dr. Jahn brings more than 30 years of experience in agricultural development, research, and policy, including over two decades of living and working across the Asia–Pacific region. His career spans leadership roles in international development, research institutions, and global policy engagement focused on strengthening food systems and advancing agricultural innovation.

He joins CGIAR from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where he managed the World Bank Trust Fund for CGIAR and held assignments in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Thailand. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jahn spent nearly 15 years with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), working in Cambodia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Lao PDR. He also held an academic appointment at Georgetown University.

In his new role, Dr. Jahn will play a key role in advancing CGIAR’s mission across Asia and the Pacific. He will support the development and operationalization of CGIAR’s continental strategies, strengthen regional visibility, and help ensure that CGIAR’s scientific expertise aligns closely with regional priorities and development needs.

Dr. Jahn will also lead coordination across CGIAR Centers and System Office teams to foster cohesive engagement, strategic partnerships, and demand-driven research collaboration throughout the region.

Dr. Jahn reports functionally to the CGIAR Continental Champion for Asia and IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto, and administratively to CGIAR Executive Managing Director Dr. Ismahane Elouafi. In this capacity, he will work closely with CGIAR Centers and System Office teams, including Communications and Advocacy, Donor Relations and Resource Mobilization, and CGIAR Programs and Accelerators.