Robert has over 30 years’ experience in managing projects in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, giving him broad and relevant experience of education, training and micro-finance.

He was a Trustee of the Scottish Community Foundation from 2001-2012 and is working with Malawian partners to develop a Malawi Community Foundation to grow local philanthropy.

He is a Trustee and Chair of the Scottish Malawi Foundation, from 2005-present. He has worked as a Philanthropy consultant for Opportunity International and the Gloag Foundation.

Robert founded and leads the African Lakes Company Limited – a vehicle for responsible investment in Malawi – which has an overlapping interest in tea. He visits Malawi regularly, normally four times a year.