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We’re delighted to announce that the CEPI Board has appointed Professor Ibrahim Abubakar as CEPI’s next Chief Executive Officer. cepi.net/cepi-board-a...

Professor Abubakar, currently Vice-Provost (Health) and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London (UCL), will take up the role in April 2027.

Dr Richard Hatchett, who has led CEPI since its founding in 2017, will remain as CEO until the end of his full term in April 2027, ensuring a smooth transition.

Welcoming Professor Abubakar to CEPI, Hon Prof Jane Halton, Chair of the CEPI Board, said: “Ibrahim’s appointment reflects an outstanding track record of delivery and achievement from leading the Lancet Nigeria Commission..."

"... to acting as an advisor to the Nigerian Presidential Taskforce through to his current role at UCL. He has a clear, personal commitment to the values that make CEPI unique: international collaboration and scientific excellence in service of equitable access for everyone, everywhere."

"The world cannot afford to be caught unprepared by the next pandemic, and under Ibrahim’s leadership I am confident CEPI will be ready.”

Professor Abubakar brings extensive leadership experience across global public health and international organisations.

He most recently served as Vice-Provost and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at UCL, overseeing the University’s health strategy and a portfolio of research, innovation and clinical partnerships.

“Through its focus on innovation and equitable access, CEPI has made huge progress over the last decade”, said Professor Abubakar. “I believe there is an opportunity to build on that progress and make a transformational difference to how the world tackles epidemics and pandemics."