Toronto, ON, July 20, 2026 – Leading global girls’ equality and children’s rights organization Plan International Canada has appointed Andrew (Drew) Smith as Chief Programs Officer and Indresh Kohli as Vice-President, Marketing and Donor Experience. Together, they bring senior leadership experience across international development, public policy, branding, marketing and customer experience as the organization continues to advance girls’ rights in more than 80 countries.

Their appointments come at a time when conflict, climate disasters and economic instability are putting children’s futures at greater risk, with girls facing significant barriers to education, health, safety and opportunity. As global challenges grow more complex, Smith and Kohli add critical expertise that will help Plan International Canada adapt to change, strengthen collaboration across the organization, and deepen engagement with Canadians who support children’s rights and girls’ equality.

In their new roles, they will help advance Plan International Canada’s programs, partnerships and supporter engagement to drive greater impact for girls around the world. Because when girls can learn and lead, entire communities become healthier, safer and more prosperous.

Andrew (Drew) Smith has spent more than 25 years working in international affairs, with expertise in policy development, programming and operational leadership. Most recently, he served in senior leadership roles at Global Affairs Canada, including Director General of Pan-African Affairs and Trade Champion for Africa, and Director General for International Assistance Policy. In those roles, Smith helped shape Canada’s engagement on development issues at the G7, G20, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the United Nations.

Smith brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to local leadership, learning and continuous improvement. He holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the Australian National University.

Indresh Kohli has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, business transformation and growth strategy across Canada and internationally, including executive roles with leading global organizations. Most recently, he served as Executive Head of Marketing at Dr. Oetker Canada and Head of Spend Effectiveness for Dr. Oetker International, where he led national marketing strategy and helped strengthen marketing effectiveness across more than 40 countries. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles with Kraft Foods, Reckitt Benckiser and PwC's Strategy&, advising leading consumer brands on growth and innovation. He currently serves as a Media Council Member with the Canadian Marketing Association and as an Advisory Council Member with the American Marketing Association Toronto Chapter.

Kohli brings deep expertise in brand building, customer engagement and data-driven decision making. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from the University of Toronto.

“At its heart, our work is about helping girls around the world stay safe, keep learning and have more choices for their future. When girls are empowered, their families and communities grow stronger,” said Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO, Plan International Canada. “As we look ahead, Drew and Indresh bring the experience, judgment and agile leadership we need to push this work forward, challenge old ways of thinking and build what comes next. We are fortunate to have them on the team.”

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships with and for children for almost 90 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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