GBF Welcomes Bob Webster as New Chief Operating Officer
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Grassroots Business Fund is pleased to inform you that Bob Webster will join GBF’s staff as Chief Operating Officer (COO) beginning this November. He has more than 25 years of experience in international development, including investing, technical assistance and non-profit management.
Prior to joining GBF, Bob was the Executive Vice President at CDC Development Solutions (CDS), a non-profit organization that supports small business growth for economic opportunity in developing markets. In addition to being on its executive team, he was the manager of CDS’ Access to Finance (A2F) practice.
Bob has managed varied economic development projects in Romania, Macedonia, Vietnam, Egypt, and Bangladesh, including an SME private equity fund. Bob began and managed one of SEAF’s more successful funds, SEAF/Macedonia, and later served in an executive capacity at SEAF headquarters. He has technical expertise in SME debt and equity financing, value chain development and competitiveness.
Bob will be responsible for the global operations of GBF, which include its offices in India, Kenya, Ghana, and Peru. He will oversee finance and administration, human resources, technical assistance, and sector building initiatives. Bob will also be a member of GBF’s Investment Committee. GBF’s former COO Agnes Dasewicz recently accepted an offer to become the Director of the Private Capital Group for Africa at USAID. Agnes played a critical role in helping establish GBF. She will continue to work with GBF as an advisor through the end of the year.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us. GBF’s quarterly newsletter will be distributed soon, and should also include further updates on GBF and its activities.
Harold Rosen, Executive Director communications@gbfund.org
Source: Grassroots Business Fund (link opens in a new window)
