Yobdar Bakri

Swiss Citizen, Ethiopian Origin Card Holder, Kenyan Permanent Residency Holder

Founder & Head Coach at The Executive Office of East Africa (2022-03 – Present)

Human capacity development consultancy that equips professionals with business acumen, leadership capacity, and intercultural communication. Overseeing the coordination of administration, finance, HR, marketing, research, and development to ensure smooth project execution and alignment with strategic goals.

• Developed and delivered content for formal sector teams in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, aimed at enhancing inter-team connection and communication efficiency. This included designing and implementing a pre-assessment process to evaluate team dynamics and needs. Repeat clients include the European Delegation to Kenya, Dutch and Swiss Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and PepsiCo.
• Led the organisation and execution of large-scale events in 2023/2024, each involving over 60 participants and a total investment of $100,000, through multiple stakeholders and partnerships. These events were focused on empowering women entrepreneurs through leadership development, with an emphasis on practical skills application, including business and trade.
• Designed and created content for a comprehensive Doing Business in Ethiopia Manual and interactive webinar for corporate clients.

Office Coordinator & Executive Assistant to the Partners at Roha Ventures Ltd (2018-11 – 2022-03)

Venture investment group builds and launches industrial companies across Africa, investing in the greenfield and early stages. Provided executive support for the Senior Leadership based in Geneva, Dubai, and Nairobi and secured relationships among diverse, remotely located team members.

• Provided high-level administrative and secretarial support to Partners, managing complex calendars and travel logistics across international offices.
• Coordinated internal and external meetings, investor events, and site visits.
• Managed expense reporting, vendor relations, and office budgets.
• Drafted, proofread, and formatted official correspondence and reports for distribution to international stakeholders.

Executive Office Manager & EA to the Group CEO at DPO Group (2015-12 – 2018-10)

Africa's leading payment service provider, facilitating digital transactions across 20+ countries. Supported executive operations and strategic initiatives, ensuring seamless coordination between leadership, teams, and external partners.

• Supported Group CEO across 8 African markets, coordinating with government officials, regulators, and strategic partners.
• Led GDPR compliance implementation, translating EU regulatory requirements into operational practice across African subsidiaries.
• Edited and quality-controlled all external and internal communications, including press releases, policy documents, and client materials.
• Supported regional expansion, partner prioritization, and strategic project evaluation.

Personal Assistant to the Ambassador at Embassy of Switzerland (2011-09 – 2014-05)

Representing Switzerland in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Sudan, fostering diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations.

• Managed diplomatic schedules, travel planning, and event coordination for the Head and Deputy Head of Mission.
• Handled official correspondence and prepared formal documentation in line with Swiss Federal standards.
• Organized Swiss government visits, cultural events, and high-profile meetings with Ethiopian government and business leaders.
• Maintained official records, contact databases, and the embassy's communications channels (intranet, website, mailing list).

Volunteer at Swiss - Ethiopian Children's Orphanage (2010-09 – 2014-05)

Project Manager at BAKRI 360 (2008-08 – 2011-09)

Operations Manager at Top View Restaurant (2005-08 – 2008-08)

Office Manager at ADS Insight (2004-07 – 2005-06)

Operational Allrounder at Tambohus Kro (2002-06 – 2002-12)

Housekeeping Supervisor at Radisson Hotel (2003-01 – 2004-06)

Housekeeping Intern at Sheraton Addis (2001-01 – 2001-06)

Acting Restaurant Manager at Hyatt Fair Lakes (2000-01 – 2000-06)

Executive Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership – Quantic School of Business & Technology (2024-12 – 2026-01)

ACC Accreditation in Coaching in Coaching – Coach Transformation Academy (2020-08 – 2020-09)

International PCC Accreditation in Coaching – Coach Transformation Academy

Certificate in Intercultural Communication – Intercultural Business Improvement (2020-02 – 2020-04)

Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality and Tourism Management – IHTTI School of Hotel Management (1999-08 – 2002-06)

American High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma in English, French – International Community School (1993-08 – 1999-06)