Margaret Cushing Whitman, better known as Meg Whitman, assumed the role of United States Ambassador to Kenya in July 2022, following unanimous approval by the U.S. Senate as the 18th Ambassador to Kenya.
Born on August 4, 1956, in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, Whitman hails from a lineage of notable individuals. Her father, Hendricks Hallett Whitman Jr., was a businessman, and her mother, Margaret Cushing, was a homemaker. Her family history includes Elnathan Whitman, a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and ancestors like historian Munroe Smith and General Henry S. Huidekoper.
Whitman graduated from Princeton University in 1977 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, where she was involved with the Cap and Gown Club. She furthered her education at Harvard Business School, earning an MBA in 1979, which laid the groundwork for her subsequent career in business and management.
Her professional journey began in brand management at Procter & Gamble, followed by consulting at Bain & Company. She held executive positions at The Walt Disney Company and Hasbro before making a significant impact at eBay, where she served as President and CEO from 1998. During her tenure, eBay expanded globally and saw substantial revenue growth, culminating in a successful IPO and exponential employee and revenue increases.
After leaving eBay in 2008, Whitman took the helm at Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011, orchestrating a major restructuring that led to the separation of HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Her leadership navigated the company through a pivotal phase in the tech industry.
Whitman’s foray into politics saw her campaign as a Republican candidate for Governor of California in 2010, though she was unsuccessful. However, her expertise and leadership in business were further acknowledged with her appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, where she concentrated on bolstering bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and Kenya.
Beyond her professional achievements, Whitman’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3.4 billion, largely attributed to her tenure at eBay and Hewlett-Packard, along with significant investments in various tech firms. Her financial portfolio includes substantial holdings in eBay and Hewlett-Packard stocks, as well as extensive real estate assets, including a prestigious residence in Atherton, California.
In summary, Meg Whitman’s career trajectory from corporate leadership to diplomatic service underscores her enduring influence and impact across the realms of business, technology, and international relations.
