Los Baños, Philippines (29 April 2026) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has appointed Lydia Murimi as Head of Business Development, effective 4 May 2026. She will be based at IRRI headquarters and report to Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto.

Ms. Murimi brings over 20 years of experience in global business development, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships. Most recently, as the Director of Business Development at ICRISAT, she led a comprehensive partnership and resource mobilization strategy that significantly increased the organization’s funding pipeline and strengthened strategic partnerships, proposal development, and revenue growth with non-traditional and traditional donors.

Her previous roles include senior positions at the World Bank’s Global Partnership for Education, UNICEF, and the World Organization of the Scouting Movement, where she mobilized substantial funding, built high-impact partnerships, and advanced private sector engagement across regions. Lydia started her career in the private sector, in senior marketing and business development roles with leading global organizations. She has worked globally across a variety of development sectors, with lived experience in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

At IRRI, Ms. Murimi will lead the Institute’s business development and resource mobilization strategy, focusing on diversifying funding, strengthening donor engagement, and enhancing systems to support data-driven decision-making.

“I’ve long admired IRRI’s work and the difference it makes for farmers and communities around the world. I’m truly excited to join the team to implement the organization’s dynamic strategy and contribute to delivering meaningful results to address the current and future food, nutrition, and sustainability challenges. I look forward to listening, learning, and working closely with colleagues and partners to build strong relationships and open new opportunities that will scale IRRI’s impact where it matters most,” said Ms. Murimi.

Ms. Murimi holds an MBA from the University of Leicester, UK, and an advanced diploma in Marketing from the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry.