Mark Suzman

As CEO of the Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman leads the organization in service of its mission – to help every person have the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life. Mark serves as a member of the foundation’s board of trustees in his role as CEO. He began his career in journalism, writing for the Johannesburg Star and then the Financial Times, where he covered international trade policy, welfare reform, and political issues, including the historic 1994 election of Nelson Mandela. In 2000, Mark joined the United Nations, where he was part of the effort to implement the Millennium Development Goals under the leadership of then Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Mark joined the Gates Foundation in 2007 as director of Global Development Policy, Advocacy, and Special Initiatives. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as managing director of Country Offices, president of Global Policy and Advocacy, and chief strategy officer.