The World Heart Federation (WHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Borjana Pervan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026.
Ms Pervan brings over two decades of service spanning global health, environment, human rights, and child protection. She has served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of the World Heart Federation since 2025, and previously as Director of Strategy and Communications from 2019. During that time, she led some of the organization’s most consequential work: building World Heart Day into one of the world’s largest public health movements; leading WHF’s involvement in the coalition advocacy that secured the first EU-level cardiovascular health plan; elevating the World Heart Summit into a leading global platform where science, policy, and media converge; shaping WHF’s engagement at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, and championing WHF’s strategic work on women and cardiovascular health, climate and health, and engagement with younger generations.
Prior to WHF, Ms Pervan held senior roles at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, where she was instrumental in repositioning one of the world’s largest membership organizations as a defining voice for nature. At the International Cocoa Initiative, she transformed how major companies work together with governments and civil society, telling the real story of cocoa-growing communities and advancing transparency and accountability through a shared child protection framework. Throughout her career, the common thread has been pushing established boundaries, changing how systems deliver results, and placing people and communities at the heart of every decision.
“Borjana has played a pivotal role in shaping some of WHF’s most significant achievements over recent years, helping to strengthen our global presence, advance our advocacy agenda, and deepen our impact across the cardiovascular health community. She brings a rare combination of strategic insight, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Borjana understands that cardiovascular disease is not only a health issue but also a societal challenge that demands bold leadership and collective action. She assumes this role with the full confidence of our Board and community, and I am certain that under her leadership WHF will continue to flourish, and advance its mission with even greater reach and impact,” said Professor Jagat Narula, WHF President.
“If there is one thing I know, it is that cardiovascular disease does not have to be the world’s leading cause of death. My commitment is to build on everything this community has created together, turning science into policies and actions that will make hearts healthier. I believe in the human ability to solve the most complex problems together. That belief is what brought me here and what will drive everything we do next,” said Borjana Pervan, WHF CEO.
