The World Meteorological Organization has appointed Ko Barrett as Deputy Secretary-General and Thomas Asare as Assistant Secretary-General, cementing a new Executive Management team under the leadership of Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
Ko Barrett is currently the senior advisor for climate at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is a former Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Thomas Asare is Comptroller and Director, Division of Financial and Administrative Management at UNICEF.
"The new Executive Management of WMO will lead our organization as we fulfil our responsibilities to shape the narrative on climate action, to empower nations, and to create more sustainable pathways for the future," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
"It is vital that WMO can provide deliver timely, actionable and authoritative scientific information to inform policy makers and to support society as we face up to humanity's biggest challenge - the climate crisis," she said.
"I am confident that the new Executive Management team combines the necessary expertise and experience to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the WMO Secretariat. The regional, professional and academic diversity of WMO's leadership will ensure we deliver the best possible service to our 193 Member states and territories," she said.
Celeste Saulo became WMO's first female Secretary-General at the start of 2024. An Argentinian national, she is the first person from Latin America to hold the position. She leads WMO in an era when the impacts of climate change and extreme weather are increasing exponentially, as are the needs for the expertise of the WMO community in saving lives and livelihoods.
The Executive Council met in extraordinary session to confirm the new appointments. It was the only agenda item on the hybrid meeting. The meeting was chaired by WMO President Abdulla Al Mandous.
