Cindy McCain to Step Down as WFP Head Citing Health

Cindy McCain plans to step down as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in three months, citing health concerns. The 71-year-old suffered a mild stroke in October 2025 and, despite returning to Rome headquarters in January, determined her recovery hasn’t reached a level sufficient to meet the job’s demands. McCain assumed the role in April 2023, following her service as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations agencies for food and agriculture. She expressed that serving the WFP has been an honor, praising its work saving lives globally. The WFP, founded in 1961, is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. McCain’s departure comes as the agency responds to crises in Ukraine and Gaza, having delivered aid to millions facing conflict, disaster, and climate change impacts. The United States, traditionally the WFP’s largest donor, will have the opportunity to propose a replacement to the U.N. Secretary General.