Our Team

Passionate People. Purpose-Driven Leadership.

At the heart of the Maximilian Büsser Charitable Trust is a dedicated team of individuals united by a common purpose: creating a world where opportunity, dignity, and hope are accessible to all.

Our leadership and advisors bring decades of experience in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, education, social innovation, and global development. Together, they lead with compassion, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to positive change.

green mountain under white sky during daytime

Maximilian Büsser

Founder & Chairman

A visionary philanthropist and entrepreneur, Maximilian Büsser founded the Trust to direct wealth and creativity toward humanitarian impact. With a background in luxury design and business, he brings innovative thinking and a deeply personal passion for global equity and empowerment.

Our Culture

  • Integrity: We lead with transparency and responsibility.

  • Collaboration: We believe change is best achieved together.

  • Empathy: We serve with compassion and respect for every life.

  • Innovation: We support bold ideas that challenge the status quo.

Dr. Samuel Otieno

Director of Global Programs

A respected voice in international development, Dr. Otieno oversees all grant disbursement and monitoring programs. His focus is on data-driven impact and building capacity within local organizations to create sustainable outcomes.

Kerem Şahin

Head of Health & Humanitarian Initiatives

Kerem brings over a decade of experience in emergency medical relief and public health campaigns. She leads programs focused on health access, mental health awareness, and crisis response.

Leonard Wu

Innovation & Technology Advisor

Leonard ensures that technology and digital equity remain core pillars in our grantmaking process. He develops strategies that integrate tech-driven solutions into projects ranging from education to environmental sustainability.

Fatima Shah

Community Engagement Lead

Fatima manages our local partnerships and outreach programs. She has built networks of changemakers in over 25 countries and champions community-led development and youth empowerment.

Advisory Board

Our diverse global advisory board includes leaders in finance, sustainability, education, and social justice. They provide insights, strategic guidance, and oversight to ensure our initiatives stay impactful and inclusive.

Diego Alvarez

Communications & Outreach Lead

Diego manages all internal and external communications for the Trust. His storytelling and media strategies help shine a light on the lives transformed by our work, and he leads campaigns that inspire more organizations to apply and collaborate.

Join Our Team

We're always looking for passionate individuals and volunteers who want to make a real difference. If you're inspired by our mission and want to contribute your skills to our work, reach out and become part of the movement.

Rachel Tan

Program Manager – Africa & Middle East

Clara coordinates and monitors grant programs across Africa and the Middle East. Her work ensures that local change-makers have access to the resources and mentoring they need to succeed. She is passionate about equitable development and youth empowerment.

Dr. Amir Hassan

Head of Research & Evaluation

With a PhD in Public Policy and years of field experience, Dr. Hassan oversees project assessment and outcome measurement. He ensures all funded initiatives meet our high standards of sustainability, innovation, and measurable social impact.

Ahmed Al-Harthy

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Sophia brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit development and international outreach. She leads the Trust’s efforts in forging impactful global partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission to fund projects that uplift communities and protect the planet.