IDRF names Nabil Ali interim CEO

The International Development and Relief Foundation has appointed longtime executive Nabil Ali as interim chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, 2026. The move signals continuity for the Toronto-based charity as it expands humanitarian and development work in Canada and overseas.

Why it matters: - IDRF is putting a veteran internal leader in charge at a time when the charity says it is entering its next chapter. - Ali’s appointment is meant to support continuity in IDRF’s humanitarian and development work in Canada and globally.

What happened: - The Board of Directors of the International Development and Relief Foundation appointed Nabil Ali as interim chief executive officer. - The appointment is effective Oct. 1, 2026. - Ali will assume the role on Sept. 30, 2026. - Ali currently serves as IDRF’s chief operating officer. - Ali has spent a decade helping expand IDRF’s humanitarian and development work in Canada and internationally.

The details: - Ali has helped strengthen IDRF’s relationships with donors, partners and communities. - Ali has represented IDRF with government, institutional and international stakeholders. - Ali has represented the organization at the United Nations General Assembly and at international humanitarian and development conferences. - Ali has served on the boards of Cooperation Canada and the Ontario Council for International Cooperation. - Those roles contributed to sector governance and Canada’s international cooperation community. - Ali was named one of Corporate Knights’ Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders in 2020. - Ali was recognized among The Peak’s Emerging Leaders in Social Impact in 2024. - IDRF was founded in 1984. - IDRF is a Canadian registered charity. - IDRF works with communities and local partners in Canada and around the world. - IDRF focuses on poverty, inequality and humanitarian need through emergency relief and sustainable development. - IDRF supports locally led approaches in health care, education, clean water and sanitation, food security, economic opportunity and other essential services. - More information is available on IDRF’s website.

Between the lines: - The board’s choice of an internal executive suggests a preference for stability over an external search during the transition. - Ali’s mix of operating experience, sector board service and public representation makes him a bridge between IDRF’s day-to-day work and its broader advocacy role.

What's next: - Ali is expected to lead IDRF through the interim period beginning Oct. 1, 2026. - The board said it looks forward to his leadership as the organization continues its work in Canada and globally. - IDRF has not announced a timeline for naming a permanent chief executive officer.