In the run-up to the presidential election for the United States of America, Indian Americans have started appearing in most of the countries and now in the top positions of the organization. Satya Nadella, the path that was being welcomed by Sundar Pichai, now has a possible addition in the form of Ajay Banga as the President of the World Bank.
Banga, 63, currently serves as a vice president at General Atlantic. Previously, he was President and CEO of Mastercard, leading the company through strategic, technological and cultural transformation. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.
Banga’s nomination was lauded as an ‘inspirational choice’.
President Joe Biden announced that America is nominating Banga to lead the World Bank, saying the business leader is uniquely equipped to lead the global institution at “this critical moment in history”.
In addition, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that Banga has the right leadership and management skills, experience in emerging markets, and financial expertise to lead the World Bank at a critical moment in its history.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a tweet, “Delighted to hear that Ajay Banga, whom I have known for many years, has been nominated as a candidate for leadership. world Bank, His leadership skills and drive for innovation are well-known. But more than that I admire his commitment to sustainable development, to doing good and helping those in need.”
Mastercard CEO Michael Maybach said that Banga is an inspired choice to lead the World Bank.
“He is a mentor, friend and first-rate leader who has worked tirelessly to bring hundreds of millions of people around the world into the digital economy. He is a man of great intellect and character, and we wish him every success in the affirmation process.” wish and beyond,” he tweeted.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff recalled that Banga demonstrated amazing leadership during his tenure as Mastercard CEO and always served all stakeholders.
“As a member of the B team, he inspired other CEOs to always do the right thing! Congratulations to Ajay!” he said in a tweet.
Biocon CEO Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw termed the nomination as a great choice. “Ex-Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga Nominated by US President to Lead World Bank – Great Choice.” she tweeted.
This will be another unprecedented addition to the list of Indian-origin leaders at the helm of globally influential organizations, said Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Titan Capital and entrepreneur-investor. Whether this leads to hard gains for India remains to be seen, but there is no question of soft power bringing in the country.
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Derek O’Brien tweeted, “What a champion you are, Ajay Banga.
Over the course of his career, Banga has become a global leader in driving innovation for technology, data, financial services and inclusion. He is the Honorary President of the International Chamber of Commerce, serving as President for 2020–2022. He is also the chairman of Exor and an independent director at Temasek.
Banga, who served as co-chair of the Partnership for Central America with Vice President Kamala Harris, is a member of the Trilateral Commission, a founding trustee of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, a former member of the National Committee on on US-China relations, and President Emeritus of the American India Foundation.
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