ECMWF appoints two Deputy Director-Generals to further enhance coordination across science, operations and digital infrastructure
The appointments strengthen ECMWF’s leadership at a time of rapid scientific and digital transformation, in response to increasing demands for integrated, end-to-end capabilities from Member and Co-operating States. The move reinforces the centre’s ability to deliver world‑leading science and operational weather, environmental and climate services, for and with its Member and Co-operating States.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has announced the appointment of two Deputy Director-Generals, further enhancing its senior leadership and supporting the delivery of world-leading science and operational weather, environmental and climate services, for and with its Member and Co-operating States.
Dr Jørn Kristiansen has been appointed Deputy Director-General, with responsibility for the Operational Delivery and Digital Infrastructure portfolio, and Director of Forecasts. Dr Irina Sandu has been appointed Deputy Director-General, with responsibility for the Science and Innovation portfolio, and Director of Science and Innovation.
Together, the two Deputy-Director roles will provide strong cross-cutting leadership, further increasing our integrated end-to-end system for delivery across ECMWF. This includes scientific strategy, science-to-operations, forecasting, environmental and climate services, digital transformation and high-performance computing, as well as collaboration with Member and Co-operating States.
Roar Skålin, President of the ECMWF Council and Director General of MET Norway, says: “These appointments strengthen ECMWF’s leadership at a time when the evolving needs of Member and Co-operating States require closer coordination across science, operations, service delivery and enhanced collaboration across the European Meteorological Infrastructure. They will help ensure a more coherent approach across the centre, so that scientific progress, operational capability and co-development with Member and Co-operating States translate more effectively and consistently into reliable, high-quality capabilities and services for users.”
Florian Pappenberger Director-General of ECMWF adds: “ECMWF and all those in our field are at a moment of profound transformation. With their strong track record in European collaboration, Jørn and Irina will strengthen how we coordinate science, operations and digital infrastructure across the Centre and help us work even more closely with our Member and Co‑operating States. This will also support ECMWF to operate as a more integrated, agile and responsive organisation, delivering greater value for our Member and Co‑operating States, in an increasingly complex scientific, technological and user environment.”
The Director of Science and Innovation, Dr Irina Sandu, will lead the Research Department and provide strategic leadership across ECMWF’s scientific activities. This includes Earth system modelling, data assimilation, AI and integrated prediction systems. The role enhances alignment of science and innovation across ECMWF departments, major programmes and partnerships, helping ensure coherence of scientific advances and their efficient translation into operational systems and services.
The Director of Forecasts, Dr Jørn Kristiansen, will lead the Forecast Department and further reinforce ECMWF’s operational forecasting and service delivery, ensuring that forecasting, computing, services and user engagement work as a coherent end‑to‑end system. The role supports operational reliability, digital excellence and coordinated delivery across operational systems, enabling technologies and user-facing services, while ensuring that the evolving needs of Member and Co-operating States are reflected in delivery and priorities.
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