ANDE member Upaya Social Ventures, a leader in impact investing focused on job creation for India’s most vulnerable populations, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of AB Chakravarthy and Shruti Goel as Co-CEOs. This strategic leadership transition, effective August 1st, marks a significant milestone in Upaya’s commitment to locally-led growth and impact.

Outgoing CEO Kate Cochran leaves a remarkable legacy, having spearheaded Upaya’s transformative growth over the past eight years. Under her guidance, Upaya’s portfolio expanded significantly, creating tens of thousands of dignified jobs in underserved communities across India. Cochran’s innovative approaches, such as the Pool of Recoverable Grants (PRG) model, have garnered widespread recognition in the impact investing landscape.

The new Co-CEOs, both seasoned leaders within Upaya, bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the organization’s mission. AB Chakravarthy, former India Country Director, boasts over 15 years of experience in early-stage enterprise and impact investing. Shruti Goel, former Director of Impact, has over 16 years of experience in international development, with a focus on emerging markets. Their combined expertise promises to drive Upaya’s continued success in creating sustainable economic opportunities for those in extreme poverty.

According to Upaya’s press release, this leadership transition, which was meticulously planned with the involvement of Upaya’s Board of Directors, reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to its core values and dedication to empowering local leadership.

ANDE congratulates Upaya Social Ventures on this momentum development and looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of their work under the new leadership of AB Chakravarthy and Shruti Goel.