Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Crisis Group's President & CEO, is interviewed by a reporter at a Crisis Group event in Brussels, Belgium, in November 2015. CRISIS GROUP/Julie David de Lossy
Media Release

Departure of Crisis Group’s President Jean-Marie Guéhenno

The President & Chief Executive Officer of the International Crisis Group, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, is stepping down at the end of 2017 after three years at the helm of the independent conflict-prevention organisation. A former French diplomat, Guéhenno also previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and earlier this month was appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General to the new UN High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation.

“Crisis Group has transformed itself as it adapts to a much-changed world”, Guéhenno said. “While Crisis Group’s understanding of local dynamics remains unparalleled, it is now much-better positioned to factor in geopolitics and strategic discord between key powers. I am confident that Crisis Group will continue to go from strength to strength as an agile and entrepreneurial thought leader”.

“Crisis Group owes Jean-Marie a great debt of gratitude for his leadership and commitment, both as President and before that as a Trustee”, said Lord Malloch-Brown, Co-Chair of Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees. “He has set us up for the future, leading the organisation during a period of profound and disruptive change in the international order, with passion and a sure understanding of the forces shaping modern conflict”.

Robert Malley, Vice President for Policy, will serve as Acting President from 1 January 2018. Malley was formerly Crisis Group’s Middle East and North Africa Program Director and most recently was a Special Assistant to former U.S. President Barack Obama as well as Senior Adviser to the President for the Counter-ISIL Campaign, and White House Coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf region.

Subscribe to Crisis Group’s Email Updates

Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.