Twitter, Inc. yesterday announced the appointments of appointment of Nigeria’s former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala into the board of directors of Twitter alongside former World Bank President Robert Zoellick. Marjorie Scardino will be stepping down from the Board for personal reasons at the end of the year.
“Ngozi and Bob are distinguished leaders with unparalleled global perspective and policy expertise,” said Omid Kordestani, Executive Chairman of Twitter. “We are confident they will be incredible assets to Twitter as we continue to focus on driving transparency and making Twitter a safer, healthier place for everyone who uses our service.”
Mr. Kordestani added, “On behalf of the Twitter Board, I want to thank Marjorie for her service on the Twitter Board over the past five years. Marjorie joined the Board in 2013 and has been a strong voice on our board as our Lead Independent Director. Marjorie’s insights and contributions have been invaluable, and all of us at Twitter wish her the best and look forward to her contributions through the end of the year.”
“Twitter is a powerful platform that continues to be used as a strong connector for the global community, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team,” said Dr. Okonjo-Iweala. “As we strive to build a better world for tomorrow, Twitter can amplify messages and drive critical conversations around today’s most important issues. I look forward to partnering with Twitter’s talented directors and leadership team as we work to leverage the power of Twitter for good.”
“I’m honored to join a company as purposeful as Twitter,” added Mr. Zoellick. “Twitter has made meaningful progress in expanding and encouraging global dialogue and creativity on its platform, and I’m privileged to work with Jack, Omid and the rest of the Board to continue the strong momentum underway.”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has served as a Senior Advisor to Lazard, Ltd., a global financial advisory and asset management firm, since September 2015. Prior to joining Lazard, she served as the Minister of Finance of Nigeria from July 2003 until June 2006 and as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy of Nigeria from August 2011 until May 2015.
While Mr. Zoellick has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., a global investment management firm, since April 2017. Mr. Zoellick has also served as a board member of Temasek Holdings (Private) Ltd., a Singaporean corporation principally engaged in the business of investment holding, since August 2013. He has served as a Senior Counselor to the Brunswick Group, a global public affairs, and communications firms, since May 2017.