News
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has welcomed five new staff. WCC interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca warmly greeted them as they began to serve in their particular ministries.
“Your impact for our ecumenical family will be great, and you have our prayers and support as you begin your important responsibilities,” said Sauca.
Pieter Brouwer, financial operations manager, will be managing specific general accounting, control and reporting functions, and the general financial accounting team staff. He will be participating in financial systems projects and improvements; budgeting and financial planning; and delivery of timely and accurate financial information and reports. With degrees in economics and accounting, he brings solid experience as a finance supervisor and accounting manager.
Eric Menier, assistant manager for the construction project, will reporting to the IT and Facility Services manager. He will work to define requirements for a new office building for the WCC, and will lead and implement preparatory work, with both staff teams and tenants. He has strong experience in maintenance, renovation and relocation of office buildings in various organisations.
Sophie Perona, project accountant, will report to the Finance manager, and will work to undertake accounting and controls for particular project work, and to contribute actively to effective financial management, by participating in financial systems projects and improvements. She holds masters degrees in business controlling, finance, accounting and audit, plus a Swiss CPA. She previously worked for Ernst & Young.
Ryan Smith, programme executive, Ecumenical United Nations Office (New York), was previously director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. He will be responsible for developing relations with UN system entities in New York and for representing the WCC within UN and intergovernmental forums. He will also be engaging in advocacy and action.
Karina Vartanova, finance manager, was born and educated in Moscow, and holds a degree in engineering, specialising in management information systems. She is an experienced and qualified chartered accountant. In Moscow, then in Geneva, she worked for KPMG, one of the “big four” audit and services company.