Bob Collymore’s work traced beyond Kenya

NAIROBI, KENYA: Robert (Bob) Collymore was the CEO of Safaricom PLC, a leading communications company in Africa and pioneer of M-PESA, the world’s most developed mobile payment system.

His work experience spanned across diverse countries such as Japan, South Africa and the United Kingdom where he held progressively senior roles in marketing, purchasing, retail and corporate affairs.

Bob had more than 30 years of commercial experience in the telecommunications sector. He believed that technology is a critical tool that can enable unprecedented access to essential services such as healthcare, education and financial inclusion.

Mr. Collymore believed that the global business community is a key catalyst to fast-track inclusive economic growth, with the Global Goals being the most effective lens that can drive businesses to see inequalities as business opportunities.

As a commissioner for the Global Commission for Business and Sustainable Development and member of the B-Team, Mr. Collymore drove a progressive agenda bringing together high-level business leaders to catalyse a better way of doing business, for the wellbeing of people and the planet.

As part of his work on the board of Acumen, Mr. Collymore drove an inclusive agenda that leveraged the power of the private sector and private-public partnerships to improve the lives of the poor.

In April 2015, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon re-appointed Mr. Collymore to the United Nations Global Compact Board. This was in recognition of Safaricom’s commitment to environmental, sustainability and anti-corruption issues as well as the work it is undertaking to address maternal health and child mortality.

Mr. Collymore has also served as a Commissioner on the United Nations Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for women and children.