On the 12 December 2013, Dr. Kouamé Miézan was appointed as the Executive Director, with the mission to strengthen the activities of the Network. Dr. Miézan, a plant breeder by training, began his career at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD), then at AfricaRice (formerly WARDA) as a senior rice breeder. He served thereafter several management and coordination positions in regional and international organizations (AfricaRice, FAO).

Holding a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Kansas State University (USA), Dr. Miézan has a proven expertise and experience in breeding programs and in the seed sector, as well as in the design and management of programs and projects for research and development. He also has experience in the development of inter-institutional relations. Dr. Miézan has been member of many research networks on rice.