We are thrilled to announce that Rowlands Kaotcha has been appointed The Hunger Project’s President and CEO. Rowlands most recently served on the executive team as the global Chief Program Officer, and has been with The Hunger Project for 23 years, including serving as Country Director in Malawi, Southern Africa Region Director, Vice President for the Africa Region, and Global Vice President for Program Strategy.
“Rowlands is an inspiring and thoughtful leader,” said Sheree Stomberg, Chair of the Global Board of Directors. “The Board is confident that Rowlands has the strategic vision and leadership skills — all rooted deeply in the principles and methodology of The Hunger Project — to bring the organisation to breakthrough levels of impact and influence.”
“Having grown up in a rural village in Malawi, I know how it feels to be hungry and to be afraid of the future,” said Rowlands. “A world free from hunger — that’s why I am here. That’s why I do what I do. For me, The Hunger Project is not just a job. This is my life. I am honoured by the confidence of the Board and the opportunity to serve as President and CEO. It is truly the privilege of a lifetime.”
Rowlands succeeds Tim Prewitt, who, over his four-year tenure, successfully led The Hunger Project to revise the mission and vision, develop the “Amplify” strategic plan, enhance internal systems for data, learning, and finance, and strengthen partnerships and global influence.
“We are grateful for Tim’s leadership and continued support,” Sheree said. “Tim will now serve The Hunger Project as a Senior Advisor to ensure a smooth and effective transition.”
In addition, Jenna Recuber, who most recently served as Chief Development and Communications Officer, and who has been with the organisation for 20 years, has been appointed Deputy CEO, and will provide strategic leadership as we look to our future growth.
Sheree noted that the Board is excited that Rowlands and Jenna are stepping into new leadership roles from within The Hunger Project. “It has always been the dream of the Board to draw from the talent pool within the organisation,” she said. “We have the utmost confidence in the leadership of Rowlands, as our President and CEO, Jenna as our Deputy CEO, and Kosha Shiswawala, as our CFO, and know that together they will powerfully lead the organisation, bringing in the strengths of others, to advance our mission.”
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many talented staff at The Hunger Project, including Rowlands Kaotcha,” said outgoing CEO Tim Prewitt. “I am confident Rowlands will lead the expansion of our impact to even greater heights.”
Rowlands has led the expansion of The Hunger Project in southern Africa, and has represented The Hunger Project in speaking engagements across Europe, Australia and the United States. Prior to joining The Hunger Project, Rowlands served in roles at United Purpose (formerly Concern Universal) and at a private national seed company in Malawi. He has a B.Sc. in Agriculture and an M.Sc. in Agronomy from the Bunda College of Agriculture at the University of Malawi, and an MBA from the Eastern and Southern African Institute of Management in Tanzania.
“The Hunger Project’s work to transform systems of inequity that give rise to hunger is needed now more than ever,” Sheree added. “Our organisation was founded on the belief that another world is possible – and together, we can change the way the world works so that each and every human being does not go to bed hungry at night. We’ve seen this work in thousands of villages worldwide. It is indeed possible. We are grateful that Rowlands will lead us forward so this bold vision is a reality everywhere.”
