Press Release: iDE Appoints New CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Denver, February 18, 2026 — International Development Enterprises (iDE) today announced it had selected a new chief executive officer.

Following an extensive global search and a lengthy interview process, Reed Peterson will take over as CEO on March 1. He replaces interim CEO Mike Roberts, who will continue to support iDE’s mission from his home in Cambodia.

iDE board chairman Robert Hill said he was confident Peterson would guide iDE with strength and clarity, bringing strong strategic leadership skills and a deep alignment with iDE’s mission and values.

“Reed brings a rare mix of experience across global strategy, entrepreneurship, venture-backed innovation, and nonprofit leadership, with a strong track record of delivering impact and building organizations, accelerating revenue, strengthening operations, and leading through complexity,” said Hill.

He said Peterson had worked across 80-plus countries and has spent much of his career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and international development.

“Just as importantly, Reed has deep alignment with iDE’s purpose of expanding opportunity through market-based solutions that improve lives, especially for women and underserved communities.”

Hill said he was deeply grateful to Roberts for his leadership and vision, after stepping into the interim CEO role in 2025.

Peterson’s background includes senior leadership roles in high-growth organizations, including GSMA, the global nonprofit trade association for the mobile industry, where he led major strategy, public policy, and commercial functions, as well as work in venture capital and startup ecosystems.

Peterson said he was thrilled and deeply honored to have accepted the role of CEO with iDE.

“For years, I have admired iDE’s profound impact in the world,” said Peterson. “It is a privilege to join the organization in this vital work. I am committed to leading with the passion, humility, and dedication in a way that both iDE’s clients and staff deserve.”

Peterson began his career in management and strategy consulting, helping U.S. companies expand into global markets. He then spent 13 years at GSMA, where he built and scaled new revenue streams across intelligence, research, media, events, technology, and services.

After GSMA, he moved into the entrepreneurship and venture ecosystem, advising and leading strategy for startups ranging from late-stage Silicon Valley technology companies to small, founder-led ventures across data, fintech, healthcare, energy efficiency, tokenization, and blockchain. He also led strategy at a venture capital and services firm with 80-plus investments and a $60 million-plus fund.

On a personal note, Peterson is originally from Utah and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and three sons. He enjoys the outdoors, sports, travel, fly fishing, and most of all, people.

Contact: Simon Crittle, Director of Global Communications (scrittle@ideglobal.org)