The Gates Foundation today announced the appointment of Dr. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, one of Indonesia’s longest-serving and first female minister of finance, as well as the former managing director and chief operating officer of the World Bank, to its governing board that was established in 2022.
A globally respected economist, Dr. Indrawati led major reforms across financial institutions and championed policies that promote resilience and inclusive economic growth. Her distinguished experience in economic and development policy will bring valuable perspective to the foundation’s governance and mission.
“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, Gates Foundation CEO and governing board member. “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 governing board at a momentous time in the foundation’s history. Last year, foundation Chair Bill Gates made the historic commitment to spend down the foundation’s endowment over the next two decades and focus on three goals: ending the preventable deaths of moms and babies, ensuring that the next generation grows up without suffering from deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions of people out of poverty and putting them on a path to prosperity.
“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, through work exploring how emerging technologies can expand opportunity and advance inclusive, sustainable development. 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.”
Dr. Indrawati will serve alongside fellow board members Ashish Dhawan, Dr. Helene Gayle, Strive Masiyiwa, Thomas J. Tierney, Suzman, and Gates. Baroness Nemat (Minouche) Shafik is currently taking a leave of absence while fulfilling responsibilities as chief economic advisor to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Putting Regions and Countries at the Center of Decision Making
The foundation also announced the creation of a new Africa and India Offices (AIO) Division, which will be led by Ankur Vora as president, AIO in addition to his current role as chief strategy officer. The new division brings together the foundation’s country offices across Africa and India to strengthen regional and country voices in strategy, priority setting, and execution.
In Africa and India, the foundation works in partnership with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, innovators, local communities and national and state governments to advance their health and development priorities. The foundation’s presence in Africa dates back to 2012 and now spans five countries, with offices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. The India office in Delhi opened in 2003, with its work spanning many states.
Vora joined the foundation in 2013 and advises the foundation’s chair and CEO on where the foundation should focus and invest as well as long-term direction, including the path to the 2045 closure. He will add oversight of the foundation’s country offices across Africa and India to his responsibilities, working in close partnership with regional leaders, including Paulin Basinga, Africa director, and Archna Vyas, India Country Office director.
“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 and the importance of ensuring that country perspectives continue to shape strategy, priorities, and how resources are deployed,” said Vora.
The foundation also announced that it appointed Hari Menon as president, Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO). Menon, a 20-year veteran of the foundation, will oversee the foundation’s work in agricultural development, inclusive financial systems, digital public infrastructure, sanitation, large-scale food fortification, and global education. He succeeds Rodger Voorhies, who stepped down at the end of 2025 after 14 years of leadership, including eight years as president of the GGO division.
Most recently, Menon served as director of the India Country Office and South & Southeast Asia, where he partnered closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to advance health, education, and economic opportunity. His appointment elevates a leader with deep country and regional experience into one of the foundation’s most senior roles.
“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, especially across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa,” said Menon. “I’m excited to take on this position at a time when technological breakthroughs and innovative solutions are emerging from a wide range of public- and private-sector partners that can help lift millions of the world’s poorest people out of poverty and onto a path of prosperity.”