Our People
GLO’s motto is to ‘identify, equip and empower the best local leaders of passion, integrity, gifting and vision for the transformation of Burundi, bottom-up and top-down.’ Our staff, trustees and supporters are joined together in this vision, working as one team for this goal.
Leadership
Simon Guillebaud
Founder and International Director
Simon had a very clear call to Burundi in 1999, when it was regarded as the most dangerous country on earth. He set up GLO with the vision to transform Burundi and beyond through holistic mission, working with gifted local leaders of integrity.
Simon is a gifted communicator. As a speaker, he loves to encourage and challenge ‘the troops’ in churches and conference events. He is the author of several books including the bestselling devotional ‘Choose Life‘. Simon posts regular blog articles and has recently launched an upbeat and uplifting podcast ‘Inspired… with Simon Guillebaud’, introducing the listener to a stunning variety of people from all walks of life.
Simon and his wife Lizzie have both been awarded an MBE for their services to Burundi.
Jean Bosco Mutebutsi
Executive Consultant, Burundi
Jean Bosco, runs the day-to-day work of GLO on the ground in Burundi. As a child, he miraculously survived a tragic attack during the genocide of the 1990’s which left him orphaned.
Having come to faith in his teens, Bosco developed his early ministry with Burundi Youth for Christ, eventually leaving to pioneer his own organisation, Igniting Communities for Jesus, which has had a profound impact as they work alongside some of the poorest people in Burundi through holistic community transformation.
He is wise, compassionate and servant-hearted, and we are thankful for his leadership!
PJ Smyth
US Executive Director
PJ heads up the work in the USA and is seeking to grow and develop the incredible work that is already taking place. Bringing a blend of professional and life experience spanning several sectors and three continents, PJ desires to connect those who want to join in the extraordinary adventure of transforming Burundi while being transformed into the best version of themselves.
He says, “I am in awe of the profound levels of contentment people have in Burundi, despite having so little. I’m thrilled that I have the privilege of serving the hungriest nation on earth.
Paul Tilbury
Chief Operations Officer
Paul is responsible for overseeing day-to-day internal operations and translating GLO’s vision and objectives into effective and efficient operations that maximise our impact in Burundi.
Working for GLO is such a joy! I've witnessed the integrity and dedication of our partners in Burundi and how they give their all to see lives transformed. Their passion is an inspiration to me.
Adam Thomas Steer
Communications Manager
Adam aims to inspire, inform, and invite everybody to be a part of GLO’s amazing work. Be it stories or stats, podcasts or print, webforms or words – if your heart is moved and your spirit is stirred, Adam is happy!
Working for GLO is exciting because of the passion at every level of the organisation to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
Burundi Team
Eloge Nisubire
Administrative and Financial Consultant
Eloge is responsible for the day-to-day running of the GLO office in Bujumbura and he assists Bosco, our Executive Consultant. Eloge administers the partner auditing and accountability process to ensure the highest standards and financial integrity.
My passion for mission is fueled by the atmosphere of devotion and fellowship among my colleagues. GLO is more than a team, it is, above all, a family.
Graciella Ntahiraja
Relationships Consultant
Graciella maintains logistics and supports Eloge in local partner administration. She also works with Raissa, and acts as our wonderful guide for any visitors to Burundi.
Working for GLO has opened my eyes to see my country with different lenses. I have enjoyed seeing our partners, transforming lives within Burundi and beyond. I also love how GLO feels like a family that genuinely cares for each other.
Raissa Kanziza
Communications Consultant
Travelling throughout Burundi, Raissa is responsible for gathering news and stories from our GLO partners. She recounts their work by posting articles, videos and photos, many of which are available on this website and our social media channels.
Telling people's stories, touching peoples hearts and building authentic connections are some of the best work experiences one can find at GLO.
UK Team
Lena Israel
Office Manager
Lena is our Office Manager with responsibility for all that the office achieves, including donation processing, database management and supporting our International Director and Operations Manager.
I feel fulfilled working for GLO because I know its mission is authentic and brings a tangible transformation to people's lives.
Sarah Gangar
Supporter Care Administrator
Sarah deals with all aspects of our many supporters and ambassadors. She is involved with database management, communicating objectives & office administration.
I love working with passionate and inspiring people coming together working towards an amazing goal.
Steve Jenkins
Church Engagement Lead
Steve is the link with churches, pastors and volunteers in the UK and beyond. He also supports Adam with digital communications, so you can stay informed about what GLO is doing.
I love how GLO is supporting so many inspirational people to become those who are changing a nation! Truly creating a Kingdom mindset for this generation in Burundi.
Sam McEwen
Finance Lead
Sam leads the finance team, ensuring excellence in GLO reporting, accounting and bookkeeping. This includes monitoring and evaluating our financial operations to provide effective stewardship of donated resources.
It's exciting to be working for GLO and to see the continued transformation of people and communities in Burundi, all with God's love at the centre.
Wendy Clow
Partnerships Administrator
Wendy oversees compliance and monitoring at all levels of GLO and our Partners, ensuring everything is done with excellence!
I feel so privileged to be working for GLO. There is nothing better than seeing lives totally transformed by the love of God, and being able to connect with and learn from so many inspiring people.
Clare Vermaak
Trust and Foundations Lead
Clare works with our valued Trusts and Foundations to maximise the potential of our Partners and their projects, as well as reporting back on the impact on people in Burundi.
It's such a blessing to be able to work on behalf of some of the world's poorest and most forgotten people, and see their lives transformed through the wonderful work of GLO!
Ian Johnson
Partnership Support Team
Ian comes with a wealth of experience from ‘the city’ and years of non-profit development, and is working with Martin and Paul to develop increasingly robust Partner strategies for developing GLO’s work in Burundi.
I’m honoured to walk alongside our Burundi partners, learning from their faith and courage as they build hope in Jesus’ name.
Martin Josten
Partnership Support Team
Martin’s business and charity knowledge, along with his pragmatic mind, make him a great team member, with Ian and Paul, helping to update GLO’s reporting processes. This will support the encouraging growth that’s taking place in both GLO and our local partners.
I'm convinced that God will use GLO's single-minded focus on Burundi to make a real difference in a needy place. It's a great privilege to be part of the team.
Paul Cornelius
Partnership Support Team
Paul understands business process and not-for-profit accountability, so with Ian and Martin, he is developing clearer strategies for GLO’s Partners and the future fulfilment of their objectives.
I have followed GLO's work for more than 15 years. It is a blessing to now serve God alongside inspirational and self-sacrificing Burundi leaders and their staff. To God be all the glory.
US Team
Chad Norris
US Director of Strategic Partnerships
Chad’s passion is to advance the Gospel and empower local communities. He plays a key role in building meaningful relationships and raising critical support in the United States. Chad’s heart for ministry, combined with his strategic vision, continues to connect individuals and organizations to a movement of transformation across borders.
It is my joy to help fuel a GLO's mission, committed to developing fully devoted followers of Jesus and driving lasting spiritual and social impact in one of the world’s most under-resourced regions.
Lisa Burton
US Financial Administrator
Lisa takes care of all our admin in the USA, including donation processing, database management and supporting our operations.
I am honored to be a part of an organization that embraces the commandment to love God and love His people. I am blessed beyond measure to witness how this love is demonstrated through GLO to impact and transform the lives of the precious people in Burundi.
Paul Smith
Chair of the UK Board
I have been travelling to Burundi since 2008 and each time come away inspired by the work being done by our partners there. It is a privilege to be a part of their transformation of their own country, but it also transforms us along the way.
UK Board
Paul Smith
Chair of the UK Board
I have been travelling to Burundi since 2008 and each time come away inspired by the work being done by our partners there. It is a privilege to be a part of their transformation of their own country, but it also transforms us along the way.
Steve White
Trustee
GLO is ‘serving’ very needy people with a team pulled together from all walks of professional life for a real world purpose. GLO demonstrates that ‘serving’ is a two-way street – it would be arrogant for us to think that we are serving the needy, when we are also ‘needy’ and are greatly blessed in doing this.
Luke Johnson
Trustee
I'm delighted to serve as a trustee for GLO as it makes a massive impact in Burundi.
Paul Cornelius
Trustee
I have followed GLO's work for more than 15 years. It is a blessing to now serve God alongside inspirational and self-sacrificing Burundi leaders and their staff. To God be all the glory.
Charlotte Hutchinson
Trustee
I love being a trustee because I love our GLO partners. Their courage and determination in incredibly challenging circumstances never ceases to inspire me.
Sue Wilmot
Trustee
I love GLO because of the huge impact it has, despite limited resources, and the dedication of all involved in its ministry. It’s a privilege to be part of it.
Justin Hill
Trustee
My connection with GLO & Burundi has given me a sense of perspective that I could never have dreamed of.
US Board
Brian Kleager
Chair of the US Board
Since 2011, I have travelled to Burundi about twice a year and have had the privilege of serving alongside different Burundian ministries. It is amazing to see the work of GLO leadership and its ministries in sharing the love of Christ. I am excited to be a part of God’s work in and through GLO!
Olivia McGraw
Trustee
I’m honored to serve on the GLO board and share in the victories and challenges of our brothers and sisters in Burundi. They’re the real heroes… we just get to champion and encourage their beautiful work.
Dan McNeill
Trustee
GLO has been such a blessing to me over the several years I have been involved with them in Burundi. A God-anointed, Spirit-filled ministry spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in Burundi. Dedicated and committed to their mission with integrity and the love of Jesus. I am thrilled to be a part of this ministry.
Bob Lawrence
Trustee
Burundi captured a piece of my heart upon first visiting in 2008 to experience the work and ministries of the GLO partners. Their passion to be the heart of God within the heart of Africa…and beyond…and to make Christ Jesus known, is easy to get behind and support. Blessed to share in this ministry that continues to make difference.
Duncan Sprague
Trustee
Since my first visit to Burundi in 2011, I’ve been hooked! I’m committed to sharing not only the gospel of Jesus in Burundi, but my very life with these beloved friends. I'm more than a fan of GLO. These are friends and family with whom a relational revolution of faith, hope, and love is spreading across Burundi and beyond. What a privilege!
Mark Bateman
Trustee
My first trip to Burundi in 2011 we stayed at Kings Conference Center. Meeting with the GLO staff and seeing what amazing Kingdom work they are doing made me want to know more. After several more trips and meeting Simon, I continue to see God using this ministry in a powerful way and I feel privileged to serve as part of the GLO family.
Doug Hinson
Trustee
Since becoming part of GLO I have watched Christ-centered people doing amazing things which have transformed Burundi in ways that could only be accomplished through the Spirit. I have been blessed in so many ways by my brothers in Burundi and the GLO team for which I am deeply grateful.