Entertainment industry leader becomes the GAVI Alliance's first Envoy
Bill Roedy at a health clinic in Kigali, Rwanda (December 2010).
Source: GAVI/2010/Riccardo Gangale.
Bill Roedy at a health clinic in Kigali, Rwanda (December 2010).
Source: GAVI/2010/Riccardo Gangale.
Entertainment industry leader becomes the GAVI Alliance's first Envoy
Geneva, 25 May 2011 - The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI)
is proud to announce that Bill Roedy, the architect behind the internationally known MTV
Networks, has joined the GAVI family to advocate for immunisation.
It's not every day that you get the chance to save
someone's life and this is exactly what GAVI is all about. I am thrilled to be
part of this collective effort of protecting millions of children from
vaccine-preventable diseases. Bill Roedy, former CEO, MTV |
As the Alliance's first GAVI Envoy, Mr. Roedy will raise awareness about the
importance of vaccines in fighting major childhood killers like pneumonia and diarrheal
diseases.
"Bill has such a strong record as an advocate and as someone who can bring people
together from different walks of life to support great causes" said Helen Evans, GAVI
interim CEO. "GAVI and the children we serve will greatly benefit from his determination
to give everyone wherever they live the same chance for a healthy life."
A former platoon leader in Vietnam who then moved on to head the global expansion of MTV
International Networks over a 22 year period, Mr Roedy has had a remarkable ability to grow
a business while helping address major social issues, such as HIV/AIDS. While MTV CEO, he
launched the Staying Alive
foundation and was actively involved with the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS and the Global Media AIDS Initiative.
"It's not every day that you get the chance to save someone's life and this is exactly
what GAVI is all about. I am thrilled to be part of this collective effort of protecting
millions of children from vaccine-preventable diseases," said Bill Roedy. "GAVI is a true
leader in the field, it is sharp, dynamic and result-focused - all the good ingredients for
continued success.
The announcement of his GAVI Envoyship coincides with the launch this week of his first
book - What Makes Business Rock - about how he made social advocacy a common
business practice.
"Bill Roedy's unconventional career has led to some remarkable achievements. We are
grateful that he has chosen GAVI to pursue his outstanding advocacy work and lend his voice
on behalf of the millions of children who suffer because they do not have access to
life-saving vaccines", said Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and past head of
GAVI's Board.
Mary Robinson had invited Roedy to join the GAVI family before stepping down as GAVI
Board Chair, in Kigali, Rwanda, last December.
GAVI Envoys are individuals who are recognised leaders in their respective fields. Mr.
Roedy will undertake advocacy activities internationally with the objective of expanding
private sector support for GAVI. Other leading individuals are currently under
consideration.
Media contacts:
Jeffrey Rowland
Office: + 41 22 909 7165
Mobile: + 41 79 240 4559
jrowland@gavialliance.org
Stefanie Laniel
Office: + 41 22 909 2929
Mobile: + 41 79 349 6971
slaniel@gavialliance.org
