Leadership Transition at CPOPC Marks New Chapter in Palm Oil Sustainability and Global Engagement

• Created Date: 28 May 2025

Leadership Transition at CPOPC Marks New Chapter in Palm Oil Sustainability and Global Engagement

The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) officially announces the transition of its executive leadership, welcoming Mdm. Izzana Salleh as the new Secretary General and Dr. Musdhalifah Machmud as Deputy Secretary General for the term June 2025 – May 2028. This transition marks a new phase in CPOPC’s strategic commitment to strengthening sustainability, equity, and global cooperation in the palm oil sector.

The leadership transition was announced during a press conference held at the CPOPC Secretariat in Jakarta. The event was organized by CPOPC with the outgoing Board of Directors (2022–2025) comprised of Secretary General, Dr. Rizal Affandi Lukman, Deputy Secretary General, Datuk Nageeb Wahab, Director of Sustainability and Smallholders, Dr. Witjaksana Darmosarkoro, and Director of Policy and Strategy, Dr. Puah Chiew Wei, during whose tenure significantly expanded CPOPC’s global influence and policy relevance.

Legacy of the 2022–2025 Board: Reframing the Global Narrative

Under the current leadership, CPOPC elevated its strategic positioning by focusing on five key pillars: communication (advocacy) and promotion, sustainability, smallholder support, research & development, and consultation. Key achievements include:

• Securing UN ECOSOC observer status, enabling CPOPC to advocate at the highest multilateral platforms.
• Launching the Sustainable Vegetable Oils Conference (SVOC) as a global forum for dialogue across the vegetable oil sector.
• Establishing the Ad Hoc Joint Task Force (JTF) with the EU, Indonesia, and Malaysia to engage directly on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
• Driving targeted engagements in consuming countries including the EU, UK, India, China, and Pakistan to counter misinformation and advocate for transparent, science-based trade.
• Joining the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), positioning palm oil within the energy transition narrative toward Net Zero 2060.
• Promoting youth engagement through the #YoungElaeis Ambassadors program, reaching over 380 participants globally.

The current leadership was marked by a renewed strategic identity for CPOPC—one that bridged producer and consumer interests, defended smallholders’ rights, and advanced sustainability with pragmatism and purpose. From leading complex policy dialogues with the EU to expanding the organization’s multilateral footprint, his tenure laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and influential CPOPC. Dr. Rizal said,

"It has been an honour to lead CPOPC during such a transformative period. Over the past three years, we have worked tirelessly to reshape how the world perceives palm oil— placing facts, fairness, and smallholder welfare at the heart of the conversation. We’ve strengthened our institutional foundations, expanded our global network, and engaged directly with policymakers, producers, and communities alike. This is not the end, but a continuation. I am confident that with the leadership of Ms. Izzana Salleh and Dr. Musdhalifah Machmud, CPOPC will move forward with renewed energy to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead."

A Visionary Path Forward

Incoming Secretary General Mdm. Izzana Salleh brings to CPOPC a dynamic blend of experience from public policy, corporate leadership, and global non-profit advocacy. A Board Trustee of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and founder of RISE Human Capital, she has held leadership roles across Malaysia’s top agencies and companies, and co-founded Girls for Girls International (G4G), a global mentorship platform operating in over 40 countries. Ms. Salleh holds degrees from Harvard Kennedy School, Imperial College London, and California State University Pomona.

Joining her is Dr. Musdhalifah Machmud, a highly respected Indonesian policy expert with over 30 years of public service. Her leadership at Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has shaped key national policies on food security, agribusiness, and sustainability. She has represented Indonesia in major global initiatives, including as CoChair of the Forest, Agriculture, and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue.

As she takes the helm, Ms. Salleh emphasized,

"As I step into this important role alongside Deputy Secretary General Ibu Musdhalifah Machmud, I am honored to lead CPOPC at a time when the voices of producing countries must be stronger than ever. We will work to ensure that palm oil, as it is responsibly and sustainably produced by our Member Countries, is recognized globally as a force for good — supporting livelihoods, contributing to food and energy security, and driving real climate action. Our focus will be on strengthening regional collaboration, harmonizing sustainability standards, and championing the rights of smallholders in global value chains. We are committed to engaging more actively with partners around the world, building trust through transparency, science, and shared responsibility."

The incoming Board aims to advance CPOPC’s mission through proactive engagement, data-driven advocacy, and collaborative innovation across regions and value chains.