Toronto, ON — [September 8, 2026] — Convergence, the global network for blended finance, today announced that Joan Larrea will retire as Chief Executive Officer in early 2027 after more than a decade of leadership.
The Board of Directors has launched a search for Convergence’s next Chief Executive Officer and has retained Korn Ferry, a leading global organizational consulting firm, to support the process.
Since inception, Larrea has led the organization through a decade of significant growth, helping establish Convergence as the world’s leading authority on blended finance. Her leadership has helped position Convergence as an essential convener, knowledge partner, grant maker, and market builder in a field that is increasingly central to solving complex development challenges.
Convergence’s next CEO will have the opportunity to build on that foundation and shape the organization’s next decade at a pivotal moment for blended finance. As development financing needs grow and aid budgets become increasingly constrained, the next leader will guide Convergence in deepening its impact and helping blended finance evolve and scale to meet the challenges ahead.
“Joan has been an exceptional leader for Convergence and for the broader blended finance community,” said Rachna Saxena, Board Chair. “Her clarity of purpose, deep commitment to the mission and ability to build bridges across sectors have strengthened Convergence’s impact and reputation around the world. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and are excited to have her support as we find the leader to take us through the next part of Convergence’s journey.”
“Joan’s tenure has been marked by integrity, strategic focus and a profound belief in the power of blended finance to unlock capital for emerging markets and developing economies,” said Peter Sullivan, Board Member and Search Committee Chair. “The Board’s goal is to honor that legacy by conducting a rigorous and inclusive CEO search that identifies a leader who can build on Joan’s extraordinary contributions and guide Convergence into its next chapter.”
The Search Committee will work closely with Korn Ferry to engage stakeholders, attract a strong and diverse candidate pool, and support a disciplined process on behalf of the Board.
Additional information about the search process will be shared as key milestones are reached.
About Convergence Blended Finance
Convergence is the global network for blended finance, committed to mobilizing private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies. Convergence generates and shares market data, insights, and practical guidance to build capacity, improve transparency, inform decision-making, and enable the more efficient use of concessional capital. Through its network and membership, Convergence convenes public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders to reduce fragmentation, align incentives, and foster collaboration across the ecosystem. Finally, Convergence accelerates the market by supporting the development of new blended finance opportunities.
Media Contact
Sijia Yi
Director of Communications
Convergence Blended Finance
[email protected]
