HarvestPlus Solutions Appoints Ravinder Grover as New CEO

HarvestPlus Solutions has named Ravinder Grover as its new Chief Executive Officer. The organization’s Board of Directors has unanimously selected Ravinder Grover as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2026. He takes over from Arun Baral, who is stepping down for health reasons following seven years of distinguished service.

Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, Ravinder Grover offers a deep background in nutrition, agriculture, and the private sector. Over his two-year tenure as COO, and his prior work spearheading the organization’s expansion throughout Asia, he has successfully broadened the group’s market reach, operational capacity, and partnership network. This transition guarantees stability as the organization continues to scale the delivery of biofortified and nutritious food throughout Africa and Asia.

"Ravinder brings an excellent combination of private-sector experience, operational leadership, and commitment," said Peter McPherson, Co-Chair of the HarvestPlus Solutions' Board. "He has been instrumental in organizational development and is very well positioned to lead the organization."

Ravinder Grover, Chief Executive Officer of HarvestPlus Solutions, said "HarvestPlus Solutions is entering its next chapter with a clear focus: turning proven innovations into lasting impact at scale. We will continue to work across the food system to strengthen markets, support farmers and businesses, and make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable. Our ambition is not simply to develop solutions, but to build the partnerships, systems and markets that enable those solutions to reach millions more people."

Arun Baral is retiring from his post after seven years at the helm. He was instrumental in evolving HarvestPlus Solutions into a worldwide platform dedicated to scaling nutritious food products, crops, and biofortified seeds. His tenure saw the organization bolster its capabilities, deepen partnerships, and significantly improve market access. Today, more than 650 million people are estimated to consume biofortified food. Arun will continue to support the organization in an advisory capacity during the leadership transition.

"Arun has provided exceptional leadership for HarvestPlus Solutions and expanded the reach and adoption of nutrient-enriched staple food," said Dr. Rudy Rabbinge, Co-Chair of the HarvestPlus Solutions' Board. "The Board is deeply grateful for his contributions and for the strong foundation he has helped build for the future."

HarvestPlus and CGIAR Network

HarvestPlus Solutions is a U.S. nonprofit organization that works globally to scale biofortified seed, crops, and nutritious food products. It operates throughout agricultural value chains, working to integrate nutrient-dense foods into commercial and public feeding systems, strengthen food supply chains, and stimulate private-sector seed markets. These efforts leverage biofortified crop varieties created by HarvestPlus—a program involving national research partners, CGIAR centers, and IFPRI. Moving forward, HarvestPlus Solutions will maintain its strategic collaboration with CGIAR centers and IFPRI, bridging the gap between agricultural innovation and market-driven strategies to deliver nutritious food at scale.