Simon Brown
About Simon Brown
Simon Brown serves as the Global Technical Lead for Economic Empowerment at Sightsavers, a position he has held since 2019. He has extensive experience in leadership roles across various international locations, including India, Bangladesh, China, and Nepal, and has worked in both non-profit and corporate sectors.
Work at Sightsavers
Simon Brown serves as the Global Technical Lead for Economic Empowerment at Sightsavers, a position he has held since 2019. In this role, he focuses on advancing economic empowerment initiatives on a global scale. His work involves developing strategies and programs that aim to enhance the economic status of individuals in various communities. Sightsavers is known for its commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities and those in poverty, aligning with Brown's expertise in economic development.
Previous Experience at VSO
Simon Brown has extensive experience with VSO, where he held multiple leadership roles. He served as Country Director in India from 2014 to 2015 and in Bangladesh from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, he was the Country Director and General Manager in China from 2010 to 2012. His tenure at VSO also included roles as Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Asia Pacific region from 2012 to 2014 and Management Advisor from 2007 to 2009 in Nepal. His diverse roles contributed to his understanding of international development and partnerships.
Corporate Sector Background
Before transitioning to the non-profit sector, Simon Brown worked in various capacities within the corporate world. He spent 12 years at Procter & Gamble as an Associate Director from 1990 to 2002. Additionally, he worked at Barclays as Chief Operator from 1981 to 1990. His corporate experience provided him with a strong foundation in management and operational strategies, which he later applied in his non-profit roles.
Education and Expertise
Simon Brown holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from The Open University, which he completed between 1983 and 1991. His educational background supports his expertise in economic empowerment and social development. He has a strong focus on corporate partnerships management, particularly within the Asia Pacific region, which has been a significant aspect of his professional journey.
International Experience
Simon Brown has worked in diverse international locations, including Bangladesh, India, China, and Nepal. His extensive experience in these regions has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in economic development. This international exposure has been instrumental in shaping his approach to economic empowerment initiatives and management in various cultural contexts.