A thoughtful leader deeply committed to equity and inclusion, Reeta has worked tirelessly to build a collaborative philanthropy renowned for its bold actions and transformative impact.
As former President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, Reeta Roy has been instrumental in building one of the world’s largest and most impactful philanthropies.
Under her leadership since 2008, the Foundation is recognized for its collaborative approach, focus on transformative impact, and support for African organizations and Indigenous communities in Canada.
Reeta deeply invested in listening to, and learning from, African entrepreneurs, educators, and communities and her hands-on approach forged many long-term partnerships. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the Foundation launched partnerships to support Indigenous youth in Canada to complete their education and transition to meaningful work aligned with their traditions, values, and aspirations.
These experiences shaped the Foundation’s values – humility, listening, co-creation, kindness and respect, and impact – that continue to guide its decisions today. Reeta worked to elevate the views and agency of young people, who are most often excluded from education and financial services. Their input shaped the design of the Foundation’s approach to programs.
To ensure Africa received its share of global vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reeta and her team led an unprecedented $1.5 billion initiative with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), called Saving Lives and Livelihoods. The program trained, equipped, and deployed 40,000 health workers and helped increase adult vaccination rates from three percent to 53 percent. Now in its second phase, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is continuing its impact by contributing to the development of a skilled heath care workforce for vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
Reeta began her career at the United Nations. She spent 17 years in the health industry, first at Bristol-Myers Squibb in global roles and thereafter at Abbott as the inaugural Divisional Vice President of Global Citizenship and Policy.
Growing up in a multicultural society in Malaysia, Reeta developed a strong capacity for listening with empathy. A beneficiary of scholarships that allowed her to complete her education, Reeta holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy. In 2025, Reeta was named one of the 100 most influential people shaping the future of giving by Time magazine and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which is presented to individuals in recognition of their significant contributions or service. She has received 11 honorary doctorate degrees from institutions including the University of Toronto, Carnegie Mellon University, and the American University of Beirut. She serves on the jury of the Global Pluralism Award and the Advisory Board of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society at the University of Toronto. Reeta hosts Transcending Boundaries, a global podcast that features in-depth conversations with exceptional leaders about their lives and leadership journeys.
Reeta transitioned from her role as President and CEO on 31 December 2025 and was succeeded by Sewit Ahderom, who began her tenure effective 1 January 2026.
We want a future where young people are driving transformative change and achieving their full potential. An environment where young people can find work and entrepreneurs and small enterprises can succeed and grow.”
Reeta Roy host of the Transcending Boundaries Podcast
Reeta Roy Recognized Amongst TIME100's Most Influential Leaders in Philanthropy
The honor recognized singular figures who are shaping the future of giving.
Op-Ed: Educating Girls Generates Economic Transformation In Africa
Africa’s young and large workforce presents an unprecedented opportunity to generate economic transformation. But it hinges on a critical factor: harnessing the full energy and talents of young women and girls across Africa.
