Luke Lindberg, 37, has been appointed executive director of the Rome-based World Food Program, the U.N. announced jointly by Secretary-General António Guterres and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. Lindberg, currently the USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs and a Trump nominee, will replace Cindy McCain, who stepped down after a stroke. WFP faces a major funding shortfall—266 million people face acute hunger while the agency plans to assist about 110 million this year—making fundraising and operational continuity an immediate priority.
U.S. Agriculture Official Luke Lindberg Named Executive Director of World Food Program Amid Severe Funding Crisis
FILE - The UN flag flies on a stormy day at the United Nations during the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
The United Nations on Friday announced the appointment of Luke Lindberg as executive director of the World Food Program (WFP), the Rome-based U.N. agency that describes itself as "the world's frontline responder to hunger" in conflicts, crises and other emergencies.
The joint announcement was made by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu after the WFP board confirmed its support for the nomination. Lindberg will succeed Cindy McCain, who stepped down from the post in February following a mild stroke in October 2025.
Background and Experience
Lindberg, 37, currently serves as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. A native of South Dakota, he founded and led the South Dakota Trade Association, helping expand the state's exports. He also served as chief of staff and chief strategy officer at the U.S. Export-Import Bank during the first Trump administration. President Donald Trump nominated Lindberg to lead WFP.
WFP's Funding Crisis
The appointment comes as WFP faces deep funding shortfalls. The agency says as many as 266 million people are facing acute hunger worldwide, but—because of reduced donations—WFP expects to assist only about 110 million people this year. The agency depends largely on voluntary contributions, and the United States has long been its largest donor. The WFP executive director post has been held by an American since the early 1990s.
Guterres and Qu praised Cindy McCain "for her leadership and dedicated service to WFP," noting she led the agency through one of its most demanding periods and was a vocal advocate for people affected by conflict, disaster and severe hunger.
The U.N. officials also thanked Carl Skau, WFP's deputy executive director, who has been acting chief since McCain left and will continue in that role until Lindberg formally assumes the position.
What Happens Next: The WFP transition timeline and the date Lindberg will officially take office were not specified in the announcement. The agency and U.N. officials emphasized continuity of operations while fundraising and program priorities remain urgent.
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