ILRI welcomes Dr. Fabian Kausche as the new Deputy Director General of Research and Innovation

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) welcomes Fabian Kausche as new Deputy Director General of Research and Innovation.

With several decades of senior executive experience in the global pharmaceutical industry, Kausche brings a unique perspective to deliver on ILRI’s vision and mission. 

Kausche was the global head of research and development for three of the top seven global animal health companies (Novartis Animal Health, Merial, and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health) and subsequently served as chairman of the board for PetMedix, a startup that was recently acquired by Zoetis. He currently serves on the board of trustees of GALVmed, a not-for-profit livestock health product development and access partnership, and on the board of directors for Sequent Life Sciences in Mumbai, India. Additionally, he is a member of the board of PetFlavors, LLC a privately owned company in Melbourne, Florida.  He also serves on the advisory committee for the Centre for Vaccinology and Regenerative Medicine at Royal Veterinary School in London and is advisor to several startup companies. In 2023 he was recognized with the prestigious Iron Paw Award for his lifetime achievements.

Kausche joins ILRI at a critical juncture. ILRI has just launched its 2024-2030 strategy "Unlocking sustainable livestock's potential through research for better lives and a better planet." The strategy aims to improve farmers lives in the Global South through equitable and resilient livestock systems, contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. 

Appolinaire Djikeng, director general of ILRI stated: "We are pleased to have Fabian join our team. Our new strategy emphasizes the importance of building strategic alliances and partnerships to develop and scale sustainable livestock and climate solutions. He brings decades of experience in leading large research and development organizations, building teams and aligning pipelines and cooperation between many stakeholders.” 

ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. ILRI is the lead CGIAR center dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions. 

When asked about his new position with ILRI, Kausche said:

“I am delighted to join ILRI under the leadership of Appolinaire Djikeng and his vision for one of the world’s leading livestock research and development organizations. Together with the leadership team at ILRI and the CGIAR, I look forward to contributing ILRI's mission to improve people lives and help farmers adapt to climate related challenges by delivering tangible solutions''

Kausche will join ILRI on August 15, 2024.