Foundation Welcomes Heidi Sinclair as New Director of Communications

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Phone: 206.709.3400
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SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced that Heidi Sinclair has been named director of communications of the foundation, headquartered in Seattle, WA.

Sinclair will serve as the senior communications advisor to Bill and Melinda Gates and the foundation's executive team. Working closely with the advocacy directors of the Global Health, Global Development, and United States programs, she will lead the foundation's overarching approach to communications, supporting its goal to ensure that every person gets the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.

"I am honored to join the foundation. This is an extraordinary opportunity to work alongside a team of committed and talented staff, as well as external partners, to address some of the world's most serious problems," Sinclair said. "I look forward to helping the organization and its partners increase awareness of these problems and demonstrate that solutions are possible."

Sinclair is currently president and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Europe, responsible for 18 company-owned operations and 34 affiliate operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Previously, she was chair of its Global Technology practice. Sinclair also served as managing director of International Creative Management's New Media and Corporate Division and in senior executive positions for Borland and Lotus Development Corporation. A Seattle native, Sinclair holds a bachelor's degree from Stanford University.

"We are pleased Heidi will be joining us at this exciting time in our growth and evolution," said Patty Stonesifer, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Heidi is a proven business leader and a talented communicator, and has a strong affinity for our mission. She is well positioned to help us work with the public and private sectors to build a sense of shared responsibility for tackling inequities that hold back billions of people around the globe."

Sinclair will begin work at the foundation on September 4.