Stephen King

As partner at Omidyar Network, Stephen brings exceptional experience in applying media and technology to create positive social impact. Based in London, Stephen leads the global Government Transparency investment area. His portfolio includes FrontlineSMS, Global Voices, mySociety, Refugees United, The XYZ Show, and Ushahidi.

He is also the Chief Executive of Luminate, a global philanthropic organization set up by Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay. Their goal is to empower people and institutions to build just and fair societies. They do this by funding and supporting non-profit and for-profit organizations and advocating for policies and actions that will help people participate in and shape the issues affecting their lives.

Prior to Omidyar Network, Stephen served as the chief executive of the BBC World Service Trust, where he led a period of sustained growth that included building programs in more than 40 countries in the developing world. Stephen helped establish the Trust’s international reputation as one of the largest and most successful organizations using media and communications to improve the lives of the world’s poor and promote better governance and transparency worldwide. Prior to the BBC, Stephen was the executive director of the International Council on Social Welfare, an international organization working to promote social development. Stephen has also held positions with nonprofit organizations HelpAge International, Help the Aged, and Voluntary Service Overseas.

Stephen is a board member of Ushahidi, Global Voices, and mySociety. He holds an MA in Oriental and African studies from the University of London