Archna Vyas becomes Gates Foundation's India Country Director
Archna Vyas has just been named the new India Country Director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—the first woman to lead its biggest country partnership.
She'll be teaming up with governments, civil society, academics, and businesses to tackle everything from healthcare and sanitation to gender equality and education.
Why does this matter?
Vyas's new role comes as the foundation works to support India's big "Viksit Bharat@2047" vision—basically, helping India become a developed nation by 2047.
The foundation has backed projects in India since 2003, focusing on things like poverty reduction and financial inclusion.
Vyas has highlighted that India's model of innovation is influencing global development solutions, showing how partnerships can make real change.
Who is Archna Vyas?
Vyas joined the Gates Foundation in 2014 and has worked on policy, advocacy, and partnerships across areas like nutrition, digital infrastructure, agriculture, and women's empowerment.
She steps into the role after Hari Menon, who led the India office since 2019 and will soon move into a global leadership spot at the foundation.