WFDSA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF

SHAILA MANYAM

AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Former U.S. Diplomat and Global Strategic Communications Leader Brings Years of Experience and International Policy Expertise to Growing Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. April 9, 2025. In a strategic move poised to elevate its global standing, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) announces the appointment of former career U.S. diplomat and strategic communications and policy leader Shaila B. Manyam as the new Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director effective April 9, 2025.

Ms. Manyam brings a wealth of experience in global government affairs, public policy, and corporate communications.  Prior to joining WFDSA, Ms. Manyam was the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Corporate and Public Affairs at Burson, a global communications firm. At Burson, Ms. Manyam led teams focused on global client engagements for sovereign governments, NGOs and multinational corporations in public affairs, reputation management and stakeholder strategy.  She also led C-level and world leader client engagements at global fora including the U.S. – Africa Leaders’ Summit, the UN General Assembly, and the World Economic Forum; coached senior and C-suite executives and senior government officials on media, thought leadership and public-private partnership engagement in areas including global health, trade, space and defense, agriculture and foreign policy.  Manyam also co-wrote thought papers on bilateral trade policy, global engagement and geopolitical risk management.

“Entrepreneurship is foundational to economic growth, especially in challenging times,” Ms. Manyam noted. “The global direct selling market is growing with new business models emerging to meet shifting consumer needs and expectations. I am honored to join WFDSA to further its core mission to foster entrepreneurship, empower individuals and create value in key markets.”

WFDSA Chairman and CEO of Shaklee, Inc. Roger Barnett added, “We are honored and excited to work with Shaila as our new Executive Director. Her depth of experience in global policy and her recognized expertise in strategic communications will help share the very substantial socio-economic benefits our industry provides to the countries and communities in which we operate.  We are very grateful for our 103 million representatives around the world who are excited to be part of an industry that makes such a positive impact in the lives of so many.” 

Prior to joining Burson, Ms. Manyam, a career Foreign Service Officer, served as a senior national security official, spokesperson UN representative and economic policy liaison on behalf of the United States in Haiti, Israel, France, Iraq and Washington, D.C. She is the recipient of multiple awards for service, including five Superior Honor Awards from the U.S. Department of State, and honors from the Smithsonian Institution for disaster recovery efforts in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Shaila holds a Master’s of Science in Economics and Public Policy from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Economics and Government from Smith College.  She serves on the Board of Directors for PartnersGlobal, an NGO focused on strengthening capacity, as well as the Meridian International Center’s Meridian Council of Leaders and the Advisory Board for global policy organization Concordia.

About WFDSA

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) is a non-governmental organization that represents the global direct selling industry.  It is composed of national Direct Selling Associations (DSAs) from more than 60 countries.  With a focus on direct-to-consumer sales conducted through independent sales representatives and distributors, WFDSA is committed to promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct in the global marketplace, working closely with stakeholders to support the industry and facilitating networks among direct selling companies.  

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., WFDSA serves as the world’s leading expert and trusted source of information for and about the direct selling industry.  It represents both national DSAs and prominent companies whose combined sales exceed $167 billion, supported by more than 103 million independent sales representatives worldwide.   Learn more about WFDSA at www.wfdsa.org.

Contact:

Maureen Paniagua

Director, International Affairs

mpaniagua@wfdsa.org

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