Former Austrian Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media will take office at ICMPD as of 1 January 2026
ICMPD’s governing body, the Steering Group consisting of 21 Member States, today announced that Susanne Raab has been elected as the new Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). She is set to begin her five-year term in January 2026, taking over from the current Director General, Michael Spindelegger. He will complete 10 years in the role, a period during which the organisation experienced its largest growth in terms of budget, number of employees, and membership.
In this role, Susanne Raab will – as the first woman in the history of ICMPD - lead the organisation's development as an increasingly important organisation for migration management. She will hold full managerial responsibility over ICMPD, headquartered in Vienna, with over 540 staff members working in 31 offices across more than 90 countries.
“ICMPD’s Steering Group is pleased to announce the appointment of such a highly qualified Director General based on a thoroughly conducted recruitment process,” said Ms Sofia Östmark, Steering Group Chair.
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead this respected organisation, which has a reputation for its comprehensive approach to migration policy and its impressive track record of innovation. I thank all Member States for the trust they placed in me. ICMPD has earned its reputation as a catalyst for multilateral cooperation. In the future, I hope to build upon this strong foundation, further empower our Member States, and solidify ICMPD's position as a leading, member-driven international organisation dedicated to developing practical and effective solutions for migration management.stated Susanne Raab
Photo: © Parlamentsdirektion/ ÖVP Jakob Glaser
Susanne Raab looks back at an exceptional career in Austria. She was in office as Federal Minister for Women and Integration (2020-2021) and Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media (2021-2025). Before joining the government, Susanne Raab served as Director General for Integration of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs. Currently she serves as Member of the National Council of the Republic of Austria for the People’s Party (ÖVP).
Born in 1984 in Vöcklabruck, Austria, Susanne Raab holds a Doctorate in Law and a Master's degree in Psychology from the University of Innsbruck.
