Stephen King

Partner, Omidyar Network

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.

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.

Politics & Current Affairs

Using Technology to Create More Open Government

Last year, a small number of governments including the United States joined the Open Government Partnership to promote openness and improved engagement with their citizens. 42 new countries joined the partnership at a recent conference in Brazil attended by Hillary Clinton.