SIL announces next Executive Director appointee

(November 2024) The SIL Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Dr. Johnstone Ndunde as the next Executive Director (ED) of SIL Global.

Dr. Ndunde, who lives in Nairobi, Kenya with wife Esther, brings over 19 years of experience in leadership, Bible translation, literacy, and language development across Africa. As a senior administrator and SIL Global Area Director, his work has been rooted in advancing educational and spiritual opportunities within African language communities, focusing on empowering individuals and communities to flourish.

In previous roles, Dr. Ndunde has guided programs developing initiatives and instructional materials in schools and adult education in a number of countries in Africa. As Area Director and Director of Strategy for SIL Anglo-Lusophone Africa, he fostered collaboration with key partners and church communities, expanded regional and global funding capabilities, and implemented initiatives to develop emerging leaders. Dr. Ndunde also co-leads SIL’s localization team, guiding regions in launching initiatives rooted in local contexts. 

Dr. Ndunde holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Governance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, an MA in Educational Studies from Africa International University, and a B.Ed. in Commerce and Economics from the University of Nairobi. Fluent in English and Kiswahili, and a native speaker of Lunyole and a number of Luhyia languages, he brings valuable cultural insight and linguistic skills to his work. 

SIL Board Chair Hans Combrink affirms Dr. Ndunde’s appointment: “Johnstone is a natural leader, influencer, and implementer with high emotional intelligence, relational skills, and a strategic mind. He embodies a deep commitment to serving God and the world's language communities. His motivation comes from strong personal values that drive his passion for fostering teamwork and partnerships at all levels to advance SIL’s vision and mission in the world.”

In response to the appointment, Dr. Ndunde says, “As I think about what lies ahead of us as an organization, I will seek to rely on God as we journey together in a posture of service that allows us to deepen our commitment to God as we work towards SIL’s mission and vision.”

Dr. Ndunde will take office in May 2025, at the conclusion of the nine-year term of current Executive Director Dr. Michel Kenmogne. Dr. Kenmogne welcomes the selection of Dr. Ndunde as his successor: “Johnstone has clearly distinguished himself over the last number of years as a humble, yet confident and bold leader. I’m confident that he will ably continue to steer SIL in the years to come."