Olivier Anselmo joins the Caux Foundation as incoming Executive Director

The Caux Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivier Anselmo as its new Executive Director, effective 15 October 2026. With extensive leadership and management experience across the humanitarian and international sectors, Olivier Anselmo will lead the Foundation as it continues to advance its mission of fostering dialogue, building trust and promoting ethical leadership. Olivier Anselmo joins Caux today for a one-month transition period alongside current Executive Director Ignacio Packer, who will retire in October.

Olivier Anselmo is a senior humanitarian professional with extensive leadership and management experience. Before joining the Caux Foundation, he served as Deputy Executive Director of the Switzerland for UNHCR Foundation, the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner in Switzerland. He joined the organisation when it was established in 2020 as Director of Operations and Finance, before being appointed Deputy Executive Director in January 2024.

Earlier in his career, Olivier Anselmo spent nine years with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), working both in the field in Afghanistan, Haiti, Niger, Senegal and Sudan and at headquarters. He also worked with DNDi, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, where he was responsible for human resources and administration.

Olivier Anselmo holds a degree in economics from the University of Geneva, as well as two Master’s degrees, in human resources management and in communication and media.

“Joining the Caux Foundation as its incoming Executive Director is both a great honour and an important responsibility,” says Olivier Anselmo. “I look forward to bringing my energy and commitment to the Foundation and its mission. Together with a strong and dedicated team, and with the continued support and engagement of the Board, I am confident that we can build on the Caux Foundation’s achievements and strong values to open a new and impactful chapter for the Foundation.”

“We are delighted to welcome Olivier Anselmo to the Caux Foundation,” says Jacqueline Coté, President of the Caux Foundation. “What particularly impressed us was the combination of his strong leadership, fundraising and management experience with his deep belief in the power of dialogue and trust. He is a pragmatic and energetic leader, with the determination to turn ideas into action. I very much look forward to working with Olivier Anselmo as the Caux Foundation enters its next chapter.

We are also deeply grateful to Ignacio Packer for his leadership and commitment to the Foundation over almost four years. He has made an important contribution to where the Caux Foundation is today, helping to drive progress, strengthen partnerships and put strong foundations in place for the future.”

Ignacio Packer will remain Executive Director until 15 October, working closely with Olivier Anselmo throughout the transition period.

The Caux Foundation is an autonomous Swiss foundation based at the Caux Palace, above Montreux. Established in 1946, it develops and hosts programmes, conferences and events focused on democracy and human security, peace and reconciliation, inner development, arts and culture, heritage and community engagement. Its activities bring together participants and partners from civil society, public institutions, international organisations, academia, business, culture and local communities. The Foundation works both in Switzerland and internationally, with the aim of creating opportunities for dialogue, exchange and collaboration across different sectors and perspectives.

The Caux Palace is central to the Foundation’s activities and serves as a venue for international gatherings, cultural events, exhibitions, heritage activities and public engagement. The Caux Foundation is a member of Initiatives of Change International.

Photo: Mark Henley