The Mastercard Foundation has announced the appointment of Sewit Ahderom as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment for one of the world’s largest philanthropies. Ahderom, who will officially assume the role on January 1, 2026, succeeds Reeta Roy, whose nearly two-decade tenure has been credited with expanding the Foundation’s influence across Africa and Canada. Until then, Roy will continue to lead through 2025 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
With more than $53 billion in assets, the Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organizations globally, dedicated to advancing opportunity across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada. The leadership change comes after a rigorous global search launched by the Foundation’s Board of Directors earlier this year. According to Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Board, Ahderom stood out for her global outlook, proven leadership, and deep connection to Africa’s development challenges and opportunities.
Ahderom brings a unique blend of finance, investment, and technology-driven development experience to the role. Her career spans investment banking at Citigroup in New York, private equity at Helios Investment Partners, and impact-focused roles at Industrial Promotion Services, the Aga Khan Development Network’s investment arm. She later co-founded Gro Intelligence, a platform delivering agricultural and climate data insights, and has advised organizations on using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to address humanitarian and development challenges.
Currently serving on the Mastercard Foundation’s Board of Directors, Ahderom offers both insider knowledge and a fresh perspective. She has been praised for her ability to balance innovation with inclusivity, a skill set seen as vital to carrying forward the Foundation’s mission. Speaking on her appointment, she expressed humility and commitment to advancing the organization’s vision of enabling young people to access dignified and fulfilling work. “The Foundation’s commitment speaks to me on a deeply personal level,” she said. “I am excited to listen and learn from young people, our staff, and our partners as we continue shaping meaningful change.”
Outgoing CEO Reeta Roy lauded the choice, describing Ahderom as a leader of expertise and integrity. Roy’s 18-year tenure has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to create 30 million work opportunities by 2030, and the EleV program in Canada, designed to support Indigenous youth in education and employment. Under her leadership, the Foundation has reached more than 66 million people with tools and opportunities, enabling nearly 18 million to access work, more than half of them women.
As Ahderom prepares to step into the role, she inherits a strong legacy and ambitious agenda. Her background in finance, entrepreneurship, and technology aligns closely with the Foundation’s focus on inclusive growth, agrifood systems, and digital transformation. The appointment signals both continuity and renewal continuity in the Foundation’s mission and renewal through the vision of a leader rooted in Africa’s potential and connected to global systems.
With a structured transition in place, the Mastercard Foundation is well-positioned to expand its impact in the years ahead, continuing to unlock opportunities for young people across Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada.
