Latest news with #philanthropy
Geek Wire
14 hours ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Jeff Bezos picks retired Amazon exec as the new CEO of his $10B Bezos Earth Fund
Tom Taylor, president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund. (LinkedIn Photo) Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has pulled one of his former executives out of retirement to become the president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, a philanthropic effort to help the planet. Tom Taylor worked for Amazon for more than two decades, retiring in October 2022 as senior vice president of Amazon Alexa and a member of the company's senior leadership team (S-team). 'I am thrilled to join the Bezos Earth Fund and lead with the bold mandate to invent our way out of Earth's environmental challenges with a combination of long-term thinking, technical curiosity, and excellent execution,' Taylor wrote today on LinkedIn. 'I am excited to work with Jeff and Lauren [Sanchez Bezos] to implement their vision and grateful to inherit an incredibly capable and mission driven team.' Bezos launched the fund in February 2020 and issued its first $791 million to 16 environmental groups later that year. The organization set a target of dispersing $10 billion by 2030, and has granted roughly $2.3 billion so far. Its diverse slate of programming includes focuses on land conservation, planet friendly foods, environmental justice, low-carbon energy and industries, climate tech innovation, monitoring and data, and financial markets. Taylor's appointment marks a notable change to the top spot, as the fund's top executives in the past had largely come from the environmental community. Andrew Steer, the former head of the World Resources Institute, was the fund's first CEO and president, resigning his position in February. 'Andrew has decades of experience in environmental and climate science as well as economic and social policy in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa,' Bezos said at the time of Steer's hire in 2021. A couple of months later, the fund brought on Charlotte Pera, who was previously president and CEO of the ClimateWorks Foundation. She departed the Bezos initiative in January 2024, having served as vice president and deputy CEO. When he announced his departure earlier this year, Steer said the fund had 'assembled some of the leading international experts in our field and built a team of some of the most passionate, imaginative, caring, and joyful staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with.' Taylor started his Amazon career as senior vice president of seller services, Amazon Payments and Fulfillment by Amazon. Prior to that, he was director of operations at K2 sports and was an engineer at Delphi Automotive Systems. 'After I retired from Amazon, I followed the good advice to consider this as 'Quarter 3' of my life and looked for an opportunity that balanced my desire for both adventure and service,' he said on LinkedIn. 'Leading the Bezos Earth Fund is this perfect opportunity — a place where I can bring something to the table, learn from some amazing people, and help the planet now and for future generations.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Fondation Lombard Odier launches funding programme for international environmental projects
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Fondation Lombard Odier is celebrating its 20th anniversary and underlining its long-term commitment to strategic philanthropy with a new environmental programme. Building on two decades of experience in targeted project funding, from 2025 the Foundation will support international initiatives that combine climate protection with tangible social benefits. The focus will be on new partnerships with organisations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Giving to Amplify Earth Action Awards (GAEA), with the aim of measurably advancing innovation, the use of climate data, protecting biodiversity and strengthening protected areas worldwide. The Fondation Lombard Odier was established in 2004 to unite the philanthropic activities of the founding families and the Group under one roof. Since then, the Foundation has embodied the Group's humanist values and carried forward the families' long-standing philanthropic endeavours with an innovative vision of philanthropy – a tradition that dates back to the mid-19th century. To date, it has supported almost 350 projects and institutions in Switzerland and globally. Among the first supported initiatives: A WMO project improving humanitarian planning in refugee camps through precise climate data. ZSL research using chemical and satellite data to trace the origin of tropical wood and rubber, helping enforce environmental standards. Support for GAEA to spotlight system-changing climate collaborations, including fossil-free steel and low-carbon agriculture. Hubert Keller, Chairman of Fondation Lombard Odier and Senior Managing Partner, Lombard Odier Group, says: 'As we celebrate the Foundation's 20th anniversary, we reflect with pride on past achievements and look ahead to new challenges, bold projects and powerful alliances that will enable us to continue driving sustainable transformation.' Dr Maximilian Martin, Global Head of Philanthropy, Lombard Odier Group and Secretary-General of Fondation Lombard Odier, adds: 'Our anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on what truly works in philanthropic practice. We focus our support where early-stage commitment, expert partners and innovative thinking converge. The new environmental programme exemplifies this approach and marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to systemic solutions in the environmental space.' About Lombard Odier Lombard Odier is a global wealth and asset manager. For over 225 years and through more than 40 financial crises, the Group has aligned itself with the long-term interests of private and institutional clients. It has a strong balance sheet with a CET1 ratio of 32% and a Fitch rating of AA-, the highest possible rating for a bank of its size. Structured as an independent partnership, Lombard Odier is solely owned by its Managing Partners. This governance model allows the Group to remain completely client-focused and innovative at the highest level in the organisation. Lombard Odier is an investment house that provides a comprehensive offering of discretionary and advisory portfolio management, wealth services and custody. Asset management services are offered through Lombard Odier Investment Managers (LOIM). The Group has created cutting-edge banking technology, which is also leveraged by other Swiss and European-based private banks and financial institutions. The Group had total client assets of CHF 327 at 31 December 2024. Headquartered in Geneva since 1796, at end-December the Group had 28 offices in 19 jurisdictions and employed 2,900 people. For more information: Lombard Odier Group Rue de la Corraterie 11 1204 Geneva – Switzerland Andreas Kessler Media relations Ellen Birch Media relations Important Information This media release has been prepared by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd, a bank and securities firm authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) (hereinafter "Lombard Odier"). It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a document. This media release is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to enter into a relationship with Lombard Odier, nor to subscribe to, purchase, sell or hold any security or financial instrument. This document may not be reproduced (in whole or in part), transmitted, modified, or used for any public or commercial purpose without the prior written permission of Lombard Odier. © 2025 Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd – All rights reserved
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Azizi Foundation steps in to fund Afghan students at American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan
Dubai, UAE: The Azizi Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Azizi Group, has committed to covering the full tuition shortfall for almost a hundred Afghan students studying at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The initiative follows a personal visit by the Group's Founder and Chairman, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, who travelled to Bishkek to meet with the university's leadership and the affected students. After constructive discussions with AUCA's faculty and administration, the Foundation agreed to provide a grant of USD 500,000 to ensure that all 96 Afghan students can continue their studies uninterrupted until graduation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formalize the partnership between Azizi Group and AUCA. Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder & Chairman of Azizi Group said,'I strongly believe that education is a fundamental pillar - one that not only enables individuals to lead meaningful and productive lives, but also plays a vital role in the development and prosperity of entire societies.' He added,'For this reason, I remain firmly committed to supporting our youth in their pursuit of knowledge, to the best of my ability.' Before departing Bishkek, Mr. Azizi hosted a luncheon for the students, university faculty, and representatives from the Kyrgyz government at the Sheraton Hotel. Among the guests was H.E. Ambassador Avazbek Abdulrazakov, Special Envoy of the Kyrgyz Republic for Afghanistan. 'It was a warm and uplifting event,' added the Azizi Group and Azizi Foundation founder. 'I encouraged the students to pursue their goals, to respect the laws of their host country, and above all, to remain engaged with their homeland - Afghanistan. Their optimism and resilience left a deep impression on me.' About Azizi Group Azizi is a private business conglomerate headquartered in Dubai with interests across real estate, energy, hospitality, banking, and trading. It includes several specialized entities, including Azizi Developments — the UAE's most prominent private developer, as well as other sector-focused businesses operating both regionally and internationally. For further information, please contact: Tizian H. G. Raab Head of PR & Communications and Advisor to the Group CEO Azizi Developments Email: tizian@
Al Bawaba
a day ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Azizi Foundation steps in to fund Afghan students at American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan
The Azizi Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Azizi Group, has committed to covering the full tuition shortfall for almost a hundred Afghan students studying at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The initiative follows a personal visit by the Group's Founder and Chairman, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, who travelled to Bishkek to meet with the university's leadership and the affected students. After constructive discussions with AUCA's faculty and administration, the Foundation agreed to provide a grant of USD 500,000 to ensure that all 96 Afghan students can continue their studies uninterrupted until graduation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formalize the partnership between Azizi Group and Mirwais Azizi, Founder & Chairman of Azizi Group said,'I strongly believe that education is a fundamental pillar - one that not only enables individuals to lead meaningful and productive lives, but also plays a vital role in the development and prosperity of entire societies.' He added,'For this reason, I remain firmly committed to supporting our youth in their pursuit of knowledge, to the best of my ability.'Before departing Bishkek, Mr. Azizi hosted a luncheon for the students, university faculty, and representatives from the Kyrgyz government at the Sheraton Hotel. Among the guests was H.E. Ambassador Avazbek Abdulrazakov, Special Envoy of the Kyrgyz Republic for Afghanistan. 'It was a warm and uplifting event,' added the Azizi Group and Azizi Foundation founder. 'I encouraged the students to pursue their goals, to respect the laws of their host country, and above all, to remain engaged with their homeland - Afghanistan. Their optimism and resilience left a deep impression on me.'
Al Bawaba
a day ago
- Health
- Al Bawaba
Dr. Shadi Saleh Selected Among Five Wellcome Trust Global Thought Leaders
In recognition of regional leadership and expertise, the Wellcome Trust has selected Dr. Shadi Saleh, founding director of the Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), as one of five global thought leaders commissioned to contribute proposals that will help reimagine and reshape the future of global a time when political shifts and financial challenges are reshaping the landscape of global health, the Wellcome Trust has commissioned five visionary proposals to rethink the global health architecture. The Wellcome Trust is one of the world's leading philanthropic organizations in health research and it fosters diverse and inclusive leadership as an important step toward more resilient and equitable global health Shadi Saleh was selected among top global experts to represent the Middle East and Central Asia. He joins an international cohort of distinguished thought leaders, including Paola Abril Campos Rivera (Latin America and the Caribbean), Catherine Kyobutungi (Africa), Kelley Lee (Europe and North America), and Swee Kheng Khor (Asia and the Pacific region).Each expert will put forward a unique perspective rooted in regional context and global insight. The proposals will be published in August 2025 and will help set the stage for an inclusive and ambitious global dialogue that responds to emerging health priorities and inequalities. Dr. Saleh's selection highlights AUB's growing impact as a regional and global convener for health innovation and systems transformation. Under his leadership, the Global Health Institute has been serving as a vital platform for interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and education that addresses some of the most pressing health challenges in fragile and conflict-affected settings. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
