Stories.

Our New Era of Leadership

01 May 2025
We are thrilled to annouce that Rowlands Kaotcha has been appointed The Hunger Project's President and CEO. Rowlands most recently served on the executive team as the Chief Programme 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 Stronberg, 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 organization to breakthrough levels of impact and influence."

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 for 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. 

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 M.B.A 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 organization was founded on the belief that another world is possible - and together, we can change the way the world workds 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."