Shameran Abed has been appointed the new executive director of Brac International (BI), with effect from August 1.
The announcement was made through a press release published on Tuesday.
As executive director, Shameran will oversee and guide Brac International’s strategies, programs and organizational development for scaled impact and sustainable growth, contributing to Brac’s Global Strategy to reach 250 million disadvantaged women (and their dependents), youth, and people living in poverty by 2030.
He will also continue to lead BI’s microfinance operations and oversee the Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative (UPGI), reads the release.
“The Board of Brac International is confident that Shameran is the right person to steer BI at this time, driving innovation and positive transformation while ensuring continuity,” said Irene Khan, chair of the Supervisory Board of Stichting Brac International.
Shameran joined Brac Bangladesh in 2009 and Brac International in 2012, and has been instrumental in bringing Brac’s flagship programs of microfinance and ultra-poor graduation to global scale.
Shameran also comes with significant Board experience on several non-profit and corporate entities, including the boards of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), Brac Bank and bKash.
“As we confront unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, we are reminded once again of the urgent need to build resilience and create sustainable pathways out of poverty for the world’s most marginalized,” commented Shameran.
“I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead Brac International at this critical juncture, working alongside thousands of fearless co-workers and with millions of programme participants, whose courage and enterprise inspire us every day to accelerate and further amplify our impact.”
Shameran holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Hamilton College in the United States and is a qualified barrister in the UK.
Shameran succeeds BI’s current executive director, Dr Muhammad Musa, who will step down on July 31.
