Jimmy Smith joined ILRI as Director General in October 2011. Before joining ILRI, he worked for the World Bank leading the Bank’s Global Livestock Portfolio. From 2001 to 2006, he held senior positions at the Canadian International Development Agency (now Global Affairs Canada). Earlier in his career, he worked at ILRI and its predecessor, the International Livestock Centre for Africa (1991–2001). Smith has a PhD in animal sciences from the University of Illinois. He is an ex-officio member of the Board.