Action Against Hunger appoints Manuel Sánchez-Montero as new CEO
Madrid, February 18, 2025
Action Against Hunger announces the appointment of Manuel Sánchez-Montero as its new CEO.
The appointment, effective from March 1st, is the result of a careful reflection process by the organization's Board of Trustees, considering the current situation in the humanitarian sector and the strategic opportunities presented by the global context.
Manuel Sánchez-Montero (Madrid, 1964) brings valuable experience of more than three decades in the humanitarian and development field. He holds a Law degree from the Autonomous University of Madrid and a Master's in International Trade from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. With a consolidated career at Action Against Hunger, Manuel has been Head of Mission in conflict zones such as Bosnia Herzegovina, Chad, and the South Caucasus, as well as serving as Director of Operations (2000-2007).
His experience extends to other organizations, as Director of Research in the Development and Humanitarian Action Area at the FRIDE think tank (2007-2010) and Director of the Humanitarian Action Office of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) between 2012 and 2015.
Until his appointment, he served as Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at Action Against Hunger, from where he promotes the limitation of the use of hunger as a weapon of war, as reflected in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417. He is the author of the book "The Fractures of the New World Order" (2005, CIDEAL), co-author of the yearbooks in the "Geopolitics of Hunger" series (Ed. Icaria), and a professor at various institutions, including Harvard Law School, Carlos III University, Complutense University of Madrid, and the Diplomatic School, among others.
The new CEO replaces Olivier Longué, who has led Action Against Hunger for almost three decades, consolidating it as a reference organization in international cooperation. Under his leadership, Action Against Hunger has expanded to become an entity recognized for its professionalism and effectiveness in the fight against hunger. José Luis Leal, President of the Board of Trustees of Action Against Hunger, stated: "The appointment of Manuel Sánchez-Montero reflects our confidence in his ability to lead the organization at a crucial time. His deep knowledge of the humanitarian sector and his commitment to the founding values are fundamental to driving our new strategic cycle and maintaining our role as a reference in the fight against hunger. From Action Against Hunger, and personally, I also want to thank Olivier Longué for his total commitment, dedication, and affection devoted to our organization and the leadership exercised during these last three decades that allows us to face the future with the security and tranquility of being prepared for change."
For his part, Manuel Sánchez-Montero declared: "I assume this role with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment. In an international context marked by growing humanitarian crises and challenges to fundamental humanitarian principles, our mission is more relevant than ever. My priority will be to work alongside our team to strengthen our strategies and innovate in our responses, maximizing our impact for the benefit of the most vulnerable communities."
With this appointment, Action Against Hunger reaffirms its commitment to the fight against hunger and prepares to face global challenges with renewed leadership and strategic vision.
