Andrew Peters succeeds Martyn Jeggo as ILRI board chair 

KENYA – The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has appointed Professor Andrew Peters as the new chair of its board of trustees, succeeding Professor Martyn Jeggo, who completed his term after years of dedicated service. 

The handover occurred during the board’s 66th meeting, held from 13–15 April 2025 at the Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, the first time the board has convened at this ILRI facility.

The event brought together ILRI’s leadership and trustees to reflect on progress and chart the way forward for livestock research and development. 

Outgoing chair Professor Martyn Jeggo, who has served on ILRI’s board since 2017 in various capacities, including program committee chair and board chair, was recognised for his pivotal role in strengthening ILRI’s global impact on sustainable livestock systems.

Leadership for a new era

Professor Andrew Peters brings with him a wealth of experience in veterinary science and global livestock development. 

A visiting professor of tropical veterinary medicine at the University of Edinburgh and a former director of SEBI-Livestock, Peters also serves as an independent consultant specialising in the development of veterinary medicines and vaccines. 

He holds PhD and DSc degrees and has authored over 200 scientific papers and two books.

Upon assuming his new role, Peters expressed his appreciation and vision for the institute’s future. 

“I feel exceptionally proud and honoured to have been appointed to this vital role. I am committed to helping to lead ILRI into an exciting future in tackling the major global challenges facing animal agriculture and its role in our future health and prosperity.”

ILRI’s Director General, Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, paid tribute to Jeggo’s unwavering support for both ILRI and the broader livestock sector.

“We believe Andrew Peters’ global leadership of science and animal agriculture, as well as his governance skills and deep understanding of the livestock sector and of ILRI’s portfolio, will be instrumental to our institutional transformation journey and the implementation of ILRI’s new strategy,” said Djikeng.

Strategic deliberations

During the three-day meeting, the board engaged in a range of strategic discussions to guide ILRI’s future. The Science Innovation and Partnership Committee reviewed ILRI’s research agenda in alignment with the new CGIAR Research Portfolio for 2025–2030. 

The committee also assessed how a theory of change framework will help track the institute’s ambitious goal of reaching 300 million people.

Meanwhile, the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee reviewed internal and external audit findings, approved the 2024 financial statements, and evaluated risk and oversight plans across ILRI and CGIAR.

Governance and vision

The ILRI board of trustees, composed of up to 12 professionals from diverse fields, ensures robust governance, financial oversight, and strategic direction for the institute.

With Professor Peters now at the helm, ILRI is set to continue advancing its mission of developing equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient livestock systems, key to achieving food systems transformation across the globe.

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