Dardeli back at the top: IREX takes off with a new vision!

Dardeli back at the top: IREX takes off with a new vision!

On September 1, 2025, Aleksander Dardeli took office as President and CEO of IREX. The IREX Board of Trustees confirmed Dardeli to this position after he previously served as the company's Executive Vice President. Dardeli brings over 25 years of experience in international development, particularly in the areas of education and public institutions. In his previous role, he was responsible for the global expansion of IREX and the integration of Development Gateway, which brought significant advancements to the company's digital systems. David A. Gross, chairman of the board of trustees, was positive about Dardeli's return, emphasizing his ability to navigate the organization through complex global challenges. Kate Thompson, who served as interim leader, highlighted the dynamic energy Dardeli will bring to the organization.

In his new role, Dardeli will be tasked with reshaping IREX's global strategy in times of geopolitical tensions and digital changes. His previous role as Chief Operating Officer at Save the Children, where he led transformative initiatives, prepared him to implement the necessary changes in the organization. Experts believe that its return will be viewed as a stability play and will help IREX better adapt to the needs of the changing international development environment. Especially given that non-profit organizations like IREX are under pressure to demonstrate measurable successes in education and public sector reform.

Strategic direction and challenges

Dardeli's vision for the coming years will shape IREX. Strategic planning for 2025 to 2028 focuses on results, scale and innovation. Dardeli emphasizes the need to play a transformative role in education and support leaders in various sectors. In doing so, it must also face the challenges that technological evolution brings with it in education, as noted in the UNESCO World Education Report 2023. The report highlights that education systems need to adapt to technological change, with the use of digital technologies presenting both opportunities and risks. It is emphasized that high-quality digital educational resources are necessary to promote learning success and ensure the participation of all.

Dardeli is expected to advance public sector modernization and digital governance, particularly on issues affecting post-conflict institutions - as was the case in his previous engagement in Kosovo. The role of AI in the education system could also become more important under Dardeli, as the need for binding rules for the use of digital technologies becomes increasingly urgent, as the UNESCO report calls for.

Future outlook

The challenges facing IREX are complex. Analysts expect Dardeli to align the organization with a data-driven and efficiency-oriented approach. Major U.S. and multilateral donors are adjusting their funding priorities, bringing increased attention to IREX programs. Dardeli's involvement could not only influence the company's internal structure, but also change the perception of IREX as a reliable partner for institutional collaboration. He could also advance strategic partnerships and acquisitions, which would have a lasting impact on IREX's future direction and influence in the international development landscape.

Probably the most important goal during Dardeli's term of office will be to highlight IREX in the global education landscape as an innovative and effective partner that not only accepts the challenges of the digital age, but also actively shapes them.

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