GENEVA, 2 June 2026. The Kofi Annan Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Katie Sams as its new Executive Director. Ms Sams will succeed Ms Corinne Momal-Vanian, who is stepping down after six years of service with the Foundation.
Ms Sams brings extensive experience in international humanitarian and peacebuilding organisations. Most recently, she served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, after more than two decades with the International Committee of the Red Cross in a range of senior leadership positions. Earlier in her career, she focused on African peace and security issues at the UN Institute for Disarmament Research and the Institute for Security Studies.
In welcoming the new Executive Director, Chair of the Foundation Board, Elhadj As Sy, said, “We are delighted to welcome Katie Sams as Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation. Katie combines extensive international experience with thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and principled action. At a time when trust, peace, and democratic values face growing challenges around the world, we are confident that she will lead the Foundation with vision and purpose as it continues to advance Kofi Annan’s enduring legacy.”
“Katie combines extensive international experience with thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and principled action.”
Mr Sy added, “On behalf of the Board and staff of the Foundation, I extend our deepest gratitude to Corinne Momal-Vanian for her many years of dedicated service to the Kofi Annan Foundation. She has made a lasting contribution to advancing the vision and values that Kofi Annan held dear. Under her leadership, the Foundation strengthened its voice, expanded its reach, and deepened its impact in promoting peace, democracy, and youth leadership around the world.”
Corinne Momal-Vanian shared, “Leading the Foundation’s work in carrying forward Kofi Annan’s legacy for peace has been an extraordinary privilege. I am deeply grateful to the Board for the trust they placed in me, and for the opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional team over the past six years. I wish Katie every success as she leads the Foundation into its next chapter, and hope she finds the same sense of purpose and fulfilment in this role that I have been fortunate to experience.”
Of her appointment, Ms Sams shared: “I am delighted to join the Kofi Annan Foundation and its dedicated team working to advance sustainable peace. Mr Annan’s vision and values have shaped my career, and I look forward to helping carry forward his legacy to address today’s pressing global challenges.”