Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran assumed the role of Director of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) effective August 1st. Dr. Soubeyran previously served as Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Director General for Food at the Ministry of Agriculture of France with responsibility for animal and plant health and food safety. She was previously the Dean of the National Veterinary School of Lyon for a five-year term during which she established a One Health Institute. Dr. Soubeyran has extensive international experience including professional responsibilities in Japan over five years.
Among objectives for her term of office, she will attempt to elevate recognition of animal health as a component of global One Health challenges including food security, trade, biodiversity and economic growth. Based on her experience, 
Dr. Soubeyran will emphasize the value of veterinary services in enhancing prosperity, especially in developing nations. She intends to develop the WOAH as a “central hub for dialogue and collaboration and intends to modernize the existing organization to respond to the challenges of animal and public health”.
It is considered significant that Dr. Soubeyran was involved directly in controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza that became a seasonal occurrence among producers of foie gras. She contributed to the decision to adopt preventive immunization using commercially available vaccines with considerable success.