Following Board of Trustees approval, the Jacobs Foundation today announces a planned leadership transition as we continue to deliver on our Strategy 2030.
Simon Sommer will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Jacobs Foundation from 1 October 2026, following the conclusion of Fabio Segura’s tenure as Co-CEO.
Fabio’s term concludes after 11 years of service at the Foundation, the last seven as Co-CEO alongside Simon.
During his time with the Jacobs Foundation, Fabio played a leading role in advancing our approach to innovative financing strategies to advance children’s learning and development—aligning public, private, multilateral, and philanthropic capital and mobilizing resources at scale to transform education systems across three continents.
In 2025, he was instrumental in securing the Foundation’s long-term financial independence, marking a new chapter in our leadership in foundational learning for children globally.
For over a decade, Fabio has made significant contributions to the Jacobs Foundation’s growth. His ambition and commitment to our founding vision of ensuring every child has access to an equitable education has expanded our thinking and our approaches, transforming the global standing and impact of the Foundation. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Fabio for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Lavinia Jacobs, President and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the Jacobs Foundation
Lavinia Jacobs, President and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the Jacobs Foundation
It has been a privilege to serve the Jacobs Foundation and to work alongside exceptional colleagues, partners, and Board members around the world. Looking back on the past eleven years, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for what we have built together and for the opportunity to help shape a period of significant growth and transformation for the Foundation. With the organization entering a new phase of its evolution from a position of strength, I believe this is the right moment for me to pass the baton. I leave with immense pride in our collective achievements, confidence in the Foundation’s future, and gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me throughout this remarkable journey.
Fabio Segura, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation
Fabio Segura, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation
I am grateful for Fabio’s partnership over the past seven years. His leadership, particularly in pioneering innovative financing for education, has fundamentally transformed how the Jacobs Foundation operates and the scale of impact we can achieve. As we enter this next chapter, I am honored to lead the Jacobs Foundation into the future. We remain deeply committed to Strategy 2030, and I look forward to working with our exceptional team and global partners to build on this strong foundation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Simon Sommer, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation
Simon Sommer, Co-CEO of the Jacobs Foundation
The leadership transition comes as the Jacobs Foundation continues to execute on Strategy 2030, our strategic blueprint for impact.
As CEO, Simon will continue to spearhead the Jacobs Foundation’s organisational strategy, country programming, and overall management of the Foundation’s assets and administration.
The Board of Trustees and the entire team at the Jacobs Foundation thank Fabio for his leadership and commend him on the achievements he has accomplished during his tenure.
