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• The Foundation Board
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The Foundation Board

The Johari Foundation Board is comprised of the following five Scottish companies. Each partner organisation is represented on the board by the following successful entrepreneurs:

David Sibbald – Founder and Director of the Johari Foundation

David Sibbald is the Executive Chairman of Sumerian, which he founded in 2002, and Executive Chairman of Aridhia Informatics, a health informatics company he co-founded in 2007. Prior to founding Sumerian and Aridhia, David was the Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Atlantech Technologies, a communications software company which he founded in 1992 and sold to Cisco systems in March 2000 for $180M.

David is the Founder and Trustee of the Kate MacAskill Foundation, a charitable organisation providing education, care and micro-enterprise funding for children and young adults in the developing world. He is Chairman of the Johari Foundation and is a Vice-President of UK UNICEF, the United Nations children’s fund. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Paisley and the University of Strathclyde for services to Scottish science and philanthropy. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy of Science and Letters. In the 2010 New Year Honours List, David was awarded an OBE for charitable services in Scotland and overseas.

In David’s words: “I’ve spent a lot of time in Africa over the past decade trying like many others to understand why so much foreign aid has achieved so few tangible results. The work of the Johari Foundation attempts to build sustainable economic outcomes for the people and communities we work with, we’re not interested in handing over a cheque, we are interested in giving people the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed in the West – education, opportunity and choice – to build a future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

More about Sumerian

Tom Cromar – Cooper Cromar Ltd

Tom Cromar is a founding Partner of Cooper Cromar, a leading Scottish Architectural Practice founded in 1984. The Firm are delighted to be corporate partners of the Johari Foundation. The Practice has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and supports a variety of charitable causes.

In Tom’s words: “I was especially drawn to the work of the Foundation following a family trip to Nairobi two years ago when we experienced at first hand the scale of the difficulties which prevail and the wonderful work the Foundation undertakes. Whilst it is difficult not to be staggered by the evident poverty and deprivation, I was overwhelmed by the spirit, warmth and optimism of the Kenyan people I met, and my family and I are keen to help in whatever way we can.”

More about Cooper Cromar

Willie Watt - Martin Currie Investment Management Ltd

Willie Watt joined Martin Currie in January 2001 as its chief executive. Over the last seven years Willie has assembled a strong team and built Martin Currie into ‘The Big Boutique’ focused solely on active equities. Martin Currie now manages £14.9 billion of assets for a diverse range of clients around the world. Before joining Martin Currie, Willie spent 16 years with 3i Group, latterly as managing director responsible for UK business.

In Willie’s words: “I felt the time was right to extend my commitment to charitable causes and having known David Sibbald since the early 1990s and having watched the development of the Johari Foundation’s work I felt I should find out more. The catalyst that convinced me to become fully involved was the positiveness of all the people I met during a visit to Kenya. It is a young country whose people are striving to do their best, on top of this the people involved with the Foundation are first rate and I look forward to working with them.”

More about Martin Currie

Calum Paterson – Scottish Equity Partners

Calum Paterson is the founder and Managing Partner of Scottish Equity Partners (SEP), a leading UK venture capital firm based in Glasgow and London. SEP invests in early stage and emerging growth companies in the IT, healthcare and energy technology sectors. It is currently investing from a $300 million venture capital fund backed by blue chip European institutions.

In Calum’s words: "I am very positive about the Johari Foundation and its approach to development projects in Kenya. The long term objective of building sustainable businesses is both exciting and challenging and I have no doubt at all that it is the right one. I have been extremely impressed by the calibre, integrity and commitment of all those involved."

More about Scottish Equity Partners

David Allen – Biggart Baillie

David is Head of the Corporate Department in Biggart Baillie, one of Scotland's leading firms of commercial lawyers, and is also a non-executive Director of Sumerian.

In his professional capacity, David specialises in equity investment, Purple Book/AIM and M&A. He has particular interest in fund-raising and has acted for many businesses, from start-ups to listed companies, in connection with funding.

As non-executive Director of Sumerian, David advises the company on funding, IP, contractual matters and compliance.

In David’s words: “I became involved with the Foundation through admiration for its desire to bring the best business principles and ethics to helping others to help themselves. Like all the other Board members I have visited Nairobi to see for myself the work that is being done - I was particularly impressed by the huge enthusiasm of the recipients who received help from the Foundation.”

More about Biggart Baillie