Action contre la Faim announces the appointment of its interim CEO: Frédéric Penard

Action contre la Faim has announced the appointment of Frédéric Penard as interim CEO, replacing Jean-Francois Riffaud. 

Jean-François Riffaud is an expert in humanitarian policy and international development aid, as well as in development, influence and mobilisation strategies. He was CEO of Action contre la Faim from June 2019 to June 2023.

Frédéric Penard will succeed him as acting CEO until the recruitment process for this position is completed. Action contre la Faim will continue to implement its strategic initiatives, already announced and outlined in its international strategic plan 2021-2025.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the fields of health, water, hygiene and sanitation, food safety and sea rescue, Frédéric Penard worked with Médecins du Monde in Colombia and Indonesia, then with the organisation’s emergency response operations. He became Director of Operations at Solidarités International in 2011, before joining Médecins sans Frontières in the Ivory Coast in 2015.

He joined Action contre la Faim after 4 years as Director of Rescue Operations for the maritime and humanitarian organisation SOS MEDITERRANEE, an ACF partner.

Frédéric Penard said: “I have a deep admiration for the work of the teams at Action contre la Faim, who every day take up the fight against malnutrition and its causes with remarkable and renowned commitment and expertise.” He added: “Getting to work alongside the Board of Directors during this transitional phase, while continuing to strengthen the structure of the association in the service of the communities, is a mandate that compels me as much as it enthuses me“.