THE board of Trustees of Tony Elumelu Foundation, yesterday, announced the appointment of Professor Reid E. Whitlock as Chief Executive of the Foundation. Professor Whitlock’s appointment follows Dr Wiebe Boer, the inaugural Chief Executive of the Foundation, becoming Director of Strategy at Heirs Holdings, Mr. Elumelu’s pan-African proprietary investment company.

Founded in 2010 by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu,  the Foundation is Africa’s leading advocate for entrepreneurship, responsible for programmes designed to ensure that entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship become the primary driver of Africa’s economic growth and social transformation.

Professor Whitlock brings thirty years of experience as a business school rector, diplomat, entrepreneur, strategy consultant and advisor to leaders in Africa, Asia and the Middle East on economic development. He received his Ph.D. and law degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and is a cum laude graduate of Princeton University.

Commenting on Professor Whitlock’s appointment, Founding Patron of the Foundation, Professor Michael Porter said: “Tony’s commitment to African entrepreneurship is unshakeable and I salute his appointment of Professor Whitlock as the CEO of his Foundation. Professor Whitlock has unique experience in driving competitiveness and entrepreneurship growth in Africa, including Rwanda, that has achieved remarkable progress. I look forward to continuing to support Tony, as he furthers Africa’s revival through the great work of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.”

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda stated: “I am delighted to hear of Reid Whitlock’s appointment as the CEO of Tony’s Foundation. Reid’s work was instrumental in improving Rwanda’s public sector service delivery, competitiveness, and business education. As CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he now has a unique platform to ensure this work continues across Africa.”

Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tony Elumelu said: “As Dr. Boer becomes Director of Strategy for Heirs Holdings, I want to thank him for the leadership he has provided, helping transform the Tony Elumelu Foundation from just an idea into a preeminent global philanthropic institution.