JAKARTA: The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) has appointed Izzana Salleh as its new secretary general and Dr Musdhalifah Machmud as deputy, with their roles to start from June 2025 until May 2028.

The changes, announced at a press conference at the CPOPC Secretariat in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 28), marked a new phase, as the council intensifies efforts to promote sustainability, equity, and international cooperation in the palm oil industry.

“I’m honoured to lead CPOPC at a time when the voices of producing countries must be stronger than ever,” Izzana said, joining virtually from Kuala Lumpur.

She highlighted the focus on strengthening regional collaboration, harmonising sustainability standards, and championing the rights of smallholders in global value chains. “We will ensure palm oil, as responsibly and sustainably produced by our member countries, is recognised globally as a force for good, as well as supporting livelihoods, food and energy security, and climate action,” she added.

A Harvard graduate, Izzana has broad experience in policy, business, and global advocacy, serving as a trustee of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), founder of RISE Human Capital, and co-founder of the international mentorship network Girls for Girls.

The outgoing secretary general Dr Rizal Affandi Lukman, and deputy secretary general Datuk Nageeb Wahab, expanded CPOPC’s global reach and led complex policy negotiations with the European Union, while redefining its strategic priorities, balancing producer and consumer interests, defending smallholders’ rights, and promoting sustainability with practical goals. “This is not the end, but a continuation. I’m confident that with the leadership of Izzana and Musdhalifah, CPOPC will move forward with renewed energy to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Rizal said.

Founded in 2015 by Indonesia and Malaysia, CPOPC’s members include Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, and Papua New Guinea.

Colombia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo hold observer status.

They represent nearly 89% of global palm oil production, giving CPOPC significant influence over international policy and sustainability discussions.

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