The International Crisis Group has appointed Nigeria’s Comfort Ero as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Ero, currently Africa Program Director and interim Vice President, will assume office after an extensive year-long search.

She succeeds Rob Malley, who joined the Biden administration as Special Envoy to Iran in January 2021.

Ero joined Crisis Group in 2001 and was West Africa Project Director until 2004. She returned to in 2011 as head of Africa unit.

The organization in a statement on Friday said the new CEO has spent her entire career working in or on conflict-affected countries.

Ero served as deputy Africa Pogram Director, International Centre for Transitional Justice (2008-2010); Political Affairs Officer and Policy Advisor to UN Mission Liberia Special Representative (2004-2007).

The Board Chair of Rift Valley Institute, a member of editorial board of journals, including International Peacekeeping, has a PhD from the London School of Economics, University of London.

President Muhammadu Buhari said Ero’s appointment speaks volumes of her track record, professionalism, and distinction in service.

The Nigerian leader noted that she has worked as a strong voice in bringing the challenges of conflict-affected nations to the front burner.

“The new role presents yet another opportunity for her to do more for humanity”, a statement by Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, read.

“The President firmly believes in the ability of this shining star to take the International Crisis Group to new and enviable heights in its work of preventing wars and shaping policies that will build a more peaceful world”, it added.