McCain to Step Down as UN World Food Programme Chief

Cindy McCain will step down as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in three months, citing ongoing health issues following a mild stroke in October 2025.

McCain, 71, said she had hoped to complete her term but had not recovered sufficiently to meet the demands of the role. She made the announcement in a statement, calling the decision difficult but necessary.

Appointed in April 2023, McCain succeeded David Beasley as head of the Rome-based agency. Before leading WFP, she served as U.S. ambassador to U.N. food and agriculture agencies. Her appointment received bipartisan support in Washington.

• Cindy McCain to step down as UN World Food Programme chief due to health concern
• McCain’s tenure at WFP ends amid global food crises and funding challenges
• WFP leadership transition begins with Cindy McCain's health-related departure

During her tenure, WFP managed operations across multiple crises, including the fallout from the war in Ukraine, conflicts in Gaza and parts of Africa, and global food insecurity worsened by supply chain disruptions and funding constraints. The agency provides emergency food assistance and supports long-term food security programmes in vulnerable regions.

McCain returned to WFP headquarters in January after recovering at home in Arizona but determined that her health would limit her ability to continue in the position. WFP confirmed she will remain in office during the transition period.

Her departure initiates the process to appoint a successor. The executive director is jointly appointed by the U.N. Secretary-General and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, traditionally following a U.S. nomination. The United States is WFP’s largest donor.

Founded in 1961, WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger relief. It delivers food assistance during emergencies and works with governments and partners to address the causes of food insecurity.

Also Read: Hillary Clinton tells Congress she has No Knowledge of Epstein

The leadership change comes as the agency faces funding pressures and increasing demand for assistance in conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable regions.