IFFEd has partnered with Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) to lead the search for a new CEO who will be based in Geneva. The announcement follows the news that IFFEd’s US based Founding CEO, Karthik Krishnan, will transition out of the organisation in spring 2027.
The news marks the next phase in IFFEd’s development from an innovative concept to a fully operational institution with the official opening of its Geneva headquarters; and the expansion of its management team. It also comes as IFFEd reached another milestone in its operations, having announced its first two education and skills programmes in Uzbekistan and India in partnership with The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank respectively.
IFFEd Chair, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE said: As IFFED moves to the next stage of growth, the Board would like to express its sincere appreciation to Karthik for his contribution as founding CEO. His energy, drive and focus have been crucial in moving the organisation from an innovative concept to a fully operational finance facility. Karthik’s leadership in uniting global partners behind IFFEd’s vision; and his committed advocacy for innovative financing in international forums has helped IFFEd become recognised as an important part of the education ecosystem.
“The leadership transition now underway marks another important milestone in IFFEDs growth as it opens its headquarters in Geneva, launches its first programmes with ADB and the World Bank and expands its pipeline of projects and partners.
‘We look forward to appointing a successor who will take the organisation forward to its next phase, expanding IFFEd’s donor base and further growing project reach.”
IFFEd’s Founding CEO, Karthik Krishnan said: “Education is not just a social issue, it is the ultimate economic engine. Since its launch, IFFEd has become recognized as a lighthouse model for development financing and education and skills delivery.
“As IFFEd’s Founding CEO, I am proud of the milestones that have been achieved in partnership with national education ministries, multilateral development banks and implementation partners. These have included, securing the first credit rating (Aaa Moody’s and AA+ S&P); recognition from the G20 as a top financial innovation; launching innovative programmes that will benefit millions of young people and; developing additional financial instruments such as Philanthropy Guarantee – the work has, and will continue to be, game changing.
“Human capital must become the core infrastructure for national competitiveness and therefore education must become a jobs strategy and skills an economic growth strategy. IFFEd’s dual multiplier model, financial and education, delivers impact at speed and scale, unlocking brighter futures by strengthening the path from education to employability.
“The future will be led by countries that not only adopt new technologies but also invest in the people who can use that technology to create, grow and thrive. The work being done by IFFEd and its partners to support that future is exciting. As it moves into its next phase of growth, I will continue to champion IFFEd’s efforts as it unlocks billions of dollars to enable better learning and earning outcomes.”
As Founding CEO, US based Karthik helped launch IFFEd’s $1.5 billion dollar facility in 2024 and was appointed to lead the organisation’s operational development. He secured the first credit rating for the institution; achieving full privileges under the Swiss Host State Act and forged strategic partnerships with multilateral development banks and education ministries.
Karthik will continue to lead IFFEd, alongside supporting the search for his successor, until spring 2027.
To express interest, please email: response@russellreynolds.com and put IFFEd in the subject line.
8th October 2026
