New Delhi, January 13, 2026: The Gates Foundation has announced a series of leadership appointments and organisational changes aimed at strengthening governance and elevating regional decision-making, with a renewed focus on Africa and India.
The Foundation has appointed Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesia’s longest-serving and first female Minister of Finance, to its Governing Board. A globally respected economist, Dr. Indrawati previously served as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank and is widely recognised for leading financial reforms and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“Sri Mulyani brings deep experience in shaping equitable economic outcomes—expertise that is essential to achieving the foundation’s long-term goals,” said Mark Suzman, CEO and Governing Board member of the Gates Foundation. “Her leadership will help ensure that our resources continue to be used to expand opportunity, promote inclusive economic growth, and improve outcomes for communities around the world.”
Dr. Indrawati joins the board at a pivotal moment, following Foundation Chair Bill Gates’ commitment to spend down the Foundation’s endowment over the next two decades, focusing on reducing preventable maternal and child deaths, combating infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty.
“With 20 years to make the biggest impact possible in the lives of those who need it most, I am honored to join the Gates Foundation’s board to contribute to this pivotal moment of challenge and opportunity,” said Dr. Indrawati. “My collaboration with the foundation began nearly a decade ago… I am deeply motivated to bring my experience in global finance, economic policy, and good governance to these critical efforts to save lives and improve livelihoods.”
She will serve alongside fellow board members Ashish Dhawan, Dr. Helene Gayle, Strive Masiyiwa, Thomas J. Tierney, Mark Suzman, and Bill Gates.
Elevating Africa and India in Decision-Making
As part of its organisational restructuring, the Foundation has created a new Africa and India Offices (AIO) Division, bringing together its country offices across the two regions to strengthen regional voices in strategy and execution. The division will be led by Ankur Vora, who will serve as President, AIO, in addition to his current role as Chief Strategy Officer.
“As the foundation continues to increase its impact through 2045, the new Africa and India Offices Division reflects the central role these regions play in advancing our mission,” Vora said, highlighting the importance of country-led perspectives in shaping priorities and resource deployment.
The Gates Foundation has operated in Africa since 2012, with offices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. Its India office, based in New Delhi, was established in 2003 and works across multiple states in partnership with governments, civil society, and the private sector.
Leadership Change in Global Growth and Opportunity Division
The Foundation also announced the appointment of Hari Menon as President of its Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division. A 20-year veteran of the Foundation, Menon will oversee work spanning agricultural development, inclusive financial systems, digital public infrastructure, sanitation, nutrition, and global education. He succeeds Rodger Voorhies, who stepped down at the end of 2025.
“The GGO division’s work covers sectors that can make a significant contribution to inclusive economic growth and human capital development over the next 20 years,” Menon said. “I’m excited to take on this position at a time when technological breakthroughs and innovative solutions are emerging that can help lift millions of the world’s poorest people out of poverty.”
These appointments underscore the Gates Foundation’s emphasis on regional leadership, long-term impact, and inclusive development as it advances its mission over the coming decades.
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