By Bunmi Yekini
Geneva, May 15, 2025 — The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to several members of the organization’s senior leadership team who will be stepping down from their positions on June 16, 2025.
In a statement issued Friday, Dr. Tedros commended the outgoing executives for their “remarkable contributions” to global health and to the work of the WHO, especially during times of intense global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the remarkable contributions of those colleagues who will be leaving their executive management positions,” Dr. Tedros said. “Their dedication to our mission and the health of people around the world has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Among those departing is Dr. Michael J. Ryan, Deputy Director-General and Executive Director for Health Emergencies, Preparedness, and Response, whom Dr. Tedros described as a “steady presence” during the toughest times.
“Mike planned to leave over two years ago but stayed on at my request,” said Dr. Tedros. “His dedication to emergency response has changed how we work, helping us face unprecedented challenges with compassion and effectiveness.”
Also recognized was Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General for UHC/Life Course, praised for his role in the Ebola and COVID-19 responses and his work on WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work.
“Bruce showed a unique talent for building partnerships through the ACT-A initiative and was a key driver of our transformation agenda,” Dr. Tedros noted.
Other senior leaders acknowledged include:
- Dr. Samira Asma, for her leadership in data, analytics, and delivery at country level, and for establishing the WHO data hub.
- Dr. Catharina Cora Boehme, for advancing WHO’s external relations and spearheading the organization’s first Investment Round for sustainable financing.
- Dr. Li Ailan, recognized for her leadership in the Healthier Populations initiative and her ability to keep prevention at the center of WHO’s mission.
- Dr. Jérôme Salomon, for his cross-cutting work integrating responses to communicable and noncommunicable diseases, as well as mental health and neglected tropical diseases.
“As our colleagues move on to their next chapters,” Dr. Tedros concluded, “I want to thank them once again for their dedication to our mission and for their exceptional leadership and service.”
The announcement marks a significant transition for the WHO as it prepares to usher in a new era of leadership to continue addressing global health challenges.