After a rigorous global search, the Busara Board appointed Francis Meyo as Busara’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

‘In a field of exceptionally strong candidates, Francis stood out due to his deep understanding of the work Busara does and his outstanding commitment to the mission of the organization,’ said James Vancel, who is a member of the Busara Board and was Busara’s founding CEO from 2016 – 2020.

Francis Meyo, who is currently Busara’s Vice President of Health, joined Busara in 2016 as Engagement Director with a focus on digital platforms for health, finance, and agriculture. Having graduated in economics and political science from Vassar College, NY, USA, he was also previously a Senior Policy Manager and Research Coordinator for Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA). Although he calls Kenya’s coastal region his home, Francis has worked all across Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Haiti, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, Eswatini and Rwanda.

’Being named Busara’s CEO fills me with great excitement, wonder, and a sense of responsibility,’ said Francis Meyo. 

‘I am personally excited to take on this role. Wonder because Busara has been my home for very many years, and is a hub for innovation, creativity and curiosity. And I feel a sense of responsibility to bring this to the wider behavioral science community and global development in general.’

As a research, design and advisory organization, Busara pursues a future where global human development activities respond to people’s lived experience by practicing and promoting interdisciplinary behavioral science in ways that center and value  the perspectives of respondents; expand the practice of research where it is  applied; and build networks, processes, and tools that increase the competence of  practitioners and researchers. 

Francis Meyo will take up the post of CEO from September 1, 2024, when Samantha Bastian, Busara’s Interim CEO, will focus on a set of expanded responsibilities as internal lead and Busara’s Chief Operating Officer.