The briefing announced that the secretary-general and the director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization jointly appointed Matthew Hollingsworth (transcript spelling) of the United Kingdom as an assistant executive director at the World Food Programme responsible for operations. The spokesperson described Hollingsworth as an experienced humanitarian leader with more than 25 years in emergency response, supply chain management and country leadership roles, and noted he is currently serving as WFP country director in Lebanon.
The spokesperson also marked the retirement of Mick Brown, described in the briefing as the longtime chief of security at United Nations headquarters. Brown's career includes service in the Irish Defence Forces and security roles in Lebanon and Iraq; the briefing praised his leadership in keeping staff, diplomats, journalists and visitors safe at UN facilities.
The briefing did not include further operational details about the new WFP portfolio or an effective date for Hollingsworth's appointment beyond the announcement; it thanked outgoing colleagues and noted continuity in ongoing operations.