Sweden's Skau named acting head of UN World Food Programme - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Headlines

Sweden's Skau named acting head of UN World Food Programme

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 2, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: June 2, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google

Swedish Diplomat Carl Skau Appointed Acting Chief of UN World Food Programme

Appointment and Leadership Transition at the World Food Programme

ROME, June 2 (Reuters) - Swedish diplomat Carl Skau has assumed the role of acting executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations' food aid agency said on Tuesday.

Background on Carl Skau's Appointment

Skau succeeds Cindy McCain, who announced her resignation in February for health reasons, and will lead the organization on an interim basis until a new executive director is appointed.

Skau's Previous Roles at WFP

He will retain his roles as WFP deputy executive director and chief operating officer, positions he has held since May 2023, the UN agency said.

Tradition and Future Leadership

The WFP is traditionally led by an American. The United States said in February it would seek to pick a permanent successor to McCain.

About Cindy McCain

McCain, who suffered a mild stroke last year, is the widow of the late U.S. Republican Senator John McCain and a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations agencies in Rome.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Mirko Miorelli, editing by Alvise Armellini and Bernadette Baum)

Key Takeaways

  • Carl Skau, Sweden’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of WFP (since May 2023), is now acting Executive Director (un.org)
  • He succeeds Cindy McCain, who resigned due to health reasons after leading WFP since April 2023 (wfp.org)
  • The UN has begun the formal process to appoint a permanent Executive Director, to be selected jointly by the UN Secretary‑General and the FAO Director‑General (un.org)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new acting executive director of the UN World Food Programme?
Swedish diplomat Carl Skau is the new acting executive director of the UN World Food Programme.
Why did Cindy McCain step down from the WFP?
Cindy McCain resigned from her role due to health reasons after suffering a mild stroke.
What roles will Carl Skau continue to hold at the WFP?
Carl Skau will remain as WFP deputy executive director and chief operating officer.
When did Carl Skau assume his new position at the WFP?
Carl Skau assumed the acting executive director position in June 2024.
Who traditionally leads the UN World Food Programme?
The World Food Programme is traditionally led by an American executive.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category