Samuel Azout

Biography

Samuel Azout is the Founder and Chairman of “Futbol con Corazon” (www.fcc.futbol), an NGO dedicated to creating safe and peaceful neighborhoods in Colombia by improving life opportunities for children and young adults in underprivileged areas. His work is specifically directed at reducing youth violence, preventing recruitment by illegal forces and promoting gender equality.
Mr. Azout was born in Barranquilla, Colombia in 1959. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Cornell University (1981) and a degree of Master in Public Administration from Harvard University (2007).
Before becoming a social entrepreneur, Samuel held the CEO position at Carulla Vivero S.A., the second largest retailer in Colombia, for 10 years, until he led its sale to Grupo Exito in 2006. He has served a member of the Board of Directors of Almacenes Exito, Bavaria SabMiller, Aerorepublica, Fundacion Colombia and Fundacion Pies Descalzos, the NGO founded by Colombian singer and celebrity Shakira. He also belongs to the Ashoka Support Network (ASN).
In addition, Mr. Azout was the Chairman of the Board of Fundación Carulla for three years and founded Aeiotu (www.aeiotu.org), the largest NGO in Colombia in the field of early childhood development.
Samuel Azout served as Senior Advisor for Social Prosperity to the President of Colombia (2010 -2011) and as Director of the National Agency for Overcoming Extreme Poverty (ANSPE) 2011-2013.