Gavi Appoints David Marlow Interim CEO as Pate Quits

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Gavi Board has appointed Mr David Marlow, currently Gavi’s Chief Operating Officer, to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of Nigeria’s Dr Muhammad Pate.

The decision, announced on Monday, will be effective August 3, 2023.

The appointment follows a communication from Dr Pate, who had been approved by the Gavi Board in February to become Gavi’s next CEO, that he will not be able to join Gavi.

In a statement, it was disclosed that Dr Pate informed the Gavi Board Chair and Vice Chair that he had taken an incredibly difficult decision to accept a request to return and contribute to Nigeria.

This raises speculation that he may become Nigeria’s health minister under President Bola Tinubu.

“Gavi fully respects the decision and wishes Dr Pate the very best for the future. On informing Gavi, Dr Pate thanked the Chair of the Gavi Board, José Manuel Barroso, the diverse set of Gavi Board members and partners, current CEO Dr Seth Berkley, and the Secretariat staff for their support over the last few months, commenting that he will remain a steadfast champion of the Gavi mission.

The Gavi Board expressed its delight that Mr Marlow has “accepted this responsibility and has full confidence in the strength of the Gavi leadership team and the Alliance to support this transition.

“The Gavi Board is committed to delivering on its mission and strategic priorities while it conducts a search for the next CEO,” it said.