The Unitaid Executive Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Luis Pizarro as the next Executive Director of Unitaid.
Coming from DNDi, where he currently serves as Executive Director, he brings to Unitaid a unique combination of medical expertise, strategic leadership, and diplomatic acumen as well as a multicultural perspective shaped by professional experience across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. With an established track record in partnership building, and organizational transformation, Luis combines deep familiarity with Unitaid – spanning more than 15 years – with a fresh vision for navigating today’s fast‑changing global health environment.
Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou, Chair of the Executive Board of Unitaid, said: “Dr. Luis Pizarro brings both continuity and renewal to Unitaid. His deep knowledge of our institution, combined with his proven ability to lead transformation and build inclusive partnerships, will strengthen our capacity to deliver innovation and equity in global health. On behalf of the Board, I warmly welcome him to this role and look forward to working together to advance our mission.”
Dr. Luis Pizarro, incoming Executive Director, said: “It is a great honor to join Unitaid at this pivotal moment. I am inspired by the dedication of its staff and partners, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Dr. Philippe Duneton. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure that lifesaving health solutions reach those who need them most.”
The Board also wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Dr. Philippe Duneton, who will be retiring after more than 20 years of dedicated service to Unitaid. Since the organization’s creation in 2006, he has been at its heart – first as Deputy Executive Director and, since 2020, as Executive Director. Throughout this period, Dr. Duneton has played a decisive role in shaping Unitaid’s identity as a catalyst for innovation and equity in global health. His leadership and passion consolidated Unitaid’s partnerships, expanded its impact across multiple disease areas, and ensured that lifesaving innovations reached those who need them most. His vision, commitment, and clarity of purpose have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire Unitaid’s work for years to come.
As Dr. Luis Pizarro takes up his new responsibilities, the Board is confident that Unitaid will continue to build on this strong foundation, embracing new opportunities and advancing equitable access to health innovations for those who need them most.