29 April 2026, Brussels – Women Political Leaders (WPL) is pleased to announce the distinguished non-executive members who comprise its newly constituted Board.
WPL President Silvana Koch-Mehrin underscored the strength and global perspective of the leaders who will guide the organisation as it enters its second decade.
“In today’s dynamic global context, advancing WPL’s mission – to increase both the number and influence of women in political leadership – requires continued momentum and collaboration,” she said. “This outstanding group of leaders brings proven experience and fresh perspectives. I am delighted they will help shape WPL’s next chapter.”
The members, who will each serve a renewable term of two years, include citizens of Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Gambia, France, Germany, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Koch-Mehrin also seized the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing members of the Board, including Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili (Federal Minister of Solid Minerals of Nigeria 2005-2006); Helen Clark (Prime Minister of New Zealand 1999-2008); Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir (Interior Minister of Iceland 2013-2014); Hilda Heine (President of the Marshall Islands 2016-2020, 2024-present); Isabel Saint Malo (Vice President of Panama 2014-2019); José Manuel Barroso (President of the European Commission 2004-2014); Lindiwe Mazibuko (Leader of the Opposition in South Africa 2011-2014); Susana Malcorra (Foreign Minister of Argentina 2015-2017); and Tzipi Livni (Foreign Minister of Israel 2006-2009). “WPL has been privileged to benefit from their guidance in recent years,” said Koch-Mehrin. “I thank them and am delighted that they will each remain connected to WPL, supporting the organisation in various ways.”
New Non-Executive Members of the WPL Strategic Board
Carolina Müller-Möhl is a Zurich-based entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. She is Founder and President of the Müller-Möhl Group and Müller-Möhl Foundation, focusing on education, gender equality, and economic development. She serves on multiple corporate and advisory boards and promotes women’s empowerment, philanthropy, and Switzerland’s role as a global business hub.
Helga Maria Schmid is Vice-President of the Munich Security Conference Foundation and President of the European Institute of Peace. A former Secretary General of the OSCE (2020–2024), she is one of Europe’s most senior diplomats, with deep experience in multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution, and high-level international negotiations.
Jane Geraghty is Global CEO of WPP Brand & Design and CEO of Landor. A leading voice in branding, creativity, and business transformation, she brings deep global experience across design, media, and communications, with a strong track record of building brands that shape markets, influence culture, and drive growth.
Julie Linn Teigland is EY Global Vice Chair – Alliances & Ecosystems and a member of the EY Global Executive. With three decades of experience in professional services, she leads EY’s global strategic alliances business and works across collaboration, co-creation, and innovation to deliver business value for clients. She previously served as EY EMEIA Area Managing Partner and today also chairs the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, while serving on a number of boards across Europe and the United States.
Lutfey Siddiqi is a Visiting Professor-in-Practice at the London School of Economics and Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore. He served as a Special Envoy to the head of Bangladesh’s interim government (2024–2026) and is a senior leader in global finance, with deep expertise in economic diplomacy, emerging markets, and international policy.
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was the 9th President of Malta (2014–2019), Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity (2013–2014), and Member of Parliament (1998–2014). She is a leading advocate for children’s rights and social inclusion, and has advanced wellbeing and protection for vulnerable communities through public service and civic leadership.
Nathalie Delapalme is Chief Executive Officer of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and served as Inspector General of Finance at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance (2007–2010). A leading voice on governance, development, and Africa-Europe relations, she brings more than 35 years of experience across public policy, international affairs, and institutional leadership.
Oley Dibba-Wadda is President and CEO of the Gam Africa Institute for Leadership (GAIL) and Executive Secretary of the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission. A social development executive and strategic analyst, she specialised in education, gender equality, youth development, and women’s leadership across Africa.
Rania Al-Mashat is UN Under-Secretary-General & Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). She previously served as Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt (2024–2026), Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt (2019–2024), and Minister of Tourism of Egypt (2018–2019). An international economist with more than 25 years of experience, she has held senior roles across government, central banking, and international institutions.
Şafak Pavey is Senior Adviser to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, leading strategic partnerships, multistakeholder engagement, and dialogue. Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and Member of Parliament (2011–2017), she brings extensive experience across humanitarian affairs, peace and security, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Salma AlRashid is Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Rashid S. AlRashid and Sons Holding, where she also serves on the board. Her work spans investment, policy, and social development, with a focus on inclusive and sustainable economic systems, gender equality, and dismantling structural barriers to women’s economic participation. She has contributed to global policy dialogue through the G20 The Women 20 (W20) and as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Investing in Gender Parity.
Stella Villares is a Partner at Barn Investments, a São Paulo–based venture capital and asset management firm focused on greentech and early-stage investments in agriculture, renewable energy, clean industry, and mobility. She brings decades of multidisciplinary experience across technology, art, finance, and agriculture to support innovation and sustainable growth.
Xavier Prats Monné is President of the Board of Governors of Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona and Chair of the Europe Board of Teach For All. He previously served as Director-General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission (2015–2018) and as Director-General for Education and Culture at the European Commission (2014–2015), and he brings extensive leadership experience across health, education, civil society, and social impact.
For more information or interview requests, please contact Rick Zednik, Secretary of the WPL Board at [email protected].
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Notes to editors
About WPL
Women Political Leaders (WPL) is the global network of women politicians. Its mission is to increase the number and influence of women in political leadership positions. WPL communities include women in political office – Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament.
The WPL Board provides guidance, solutions, and foundations to further advance the vital mission of WPL of “increasing the number and the influence of women in political leadership positions”. It also gives directions to WPL activities in different national and international political environments.
