Marianne Bänziger will move from her current position as director of the Global Maize Program (GMP) to become CIMMYT’s new deputy director general for research and partnerships, starting 1 October 2009. CIMMYT will refill the position of GMP director vacated by Bänziger as soon as a highly qualified candidate is identified. Between 1 October 2009 and the time it takes to fill the GMP director position, responsibilities will be assigned as follows:

• Bänziger will supervise GMP activities in Asia and backstop major cross-program maize projects in Africa. She will also remain principal investigator for the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) project.
• Wilfred Mwangi, associate director, Africa, will supervise GMP activities in Africa.
• Gary Atlin, associate director, molecular breeding, will supervise GMP activities in Latin America and all maize biotechnology activities.
• Kevin Pixley will be moving to the University of Wisconsin effective 1 November 2009 from where he will continue to oversee global Maize Harvest Plus activities.

Two recent appointments within GMP will facilitate these changes: Félix San Vincente will start as senior scientist, maize breeder, Latin America in January 2010 and a soon-to-be-announced candidate will start as senior scientist, lead maize breeder for DTMA in October 2009. Both scientists bring highly relevant experience from the public and private sector.