Friendship Bench Appoints Dr. Esther Tumbare As Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Esther Tumbare

Friendship Bench is pleased to announce the appointment of Esther Tumbare as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1st, 2025. Esther succeeds Dr. Dixon Chibanda, the founder of Friendship Bench, who has transitioned into a board advisory role to support Friendship Bench’s global strategic work.

Esther brings over 25 years of experience as a leader and advocate in the public health and mental health sectors. She has a proven track record of advancing access to quality mental healthcare and support, through her work with various organizations in senior roles including, IntraHealth International, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Harvard University.

“I am driven by the belief that accessible mental healthcare is a fundamental human right, and I am excited to lead Friendship Bench in its next chapter of growth and impact, expanding our reach to those who need it most,” said Esther Tumbare. Over the coming weeks, Esther will be familiarising herself with the Friendship Bench at this important time as we rally towards reaching 1 million people with mental health support.

Please provide her all the needed support. We appreciate your ongoing support in this journey, as grandmas ‘gogos’, staff, board members, funders, and all the important roles that you play. The Friendship Bench remains dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and culturally relevant mental health support to communities worldwide.

With many thanks,

Kanini Mutooni.

Board Chair.