BRAC Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

BRAC has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, microfinance, revenue, and leadership.

Driven by a vision of a world free from exploitation, BRAC pioneers development and social enterprise approaches to empower disadvantaged communities globally, equipping them to achieve prosperity and realize their full potential.

Leadership Roles at BRAC

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Julia Roberts
  • Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC - Upoma Husain
  • President - Sadman Tanzim
  • President - Gustavo Cañola
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Abdul Aziz
  • Customer Relations Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Credit Officer - Md Hasan Forhad
  • Julia Roberts - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Julia Roberts, the President & Chief Executive Officer at BRAC, directs the organization's overarching strategy and global operations. Overseeing all functional areas, Roberts ensures BRAC's evidence-based programs effectively reach and uplift poor and disadvantaged communities in low-income countries, including conflict-prone and post-disaster settings. This leadership role involves driving the organization's mission to foster prosperity and empower individuals to seize control of their lives. By championing innovative development and social enterprise approaches, Roberts guides BRAC's commitment to creating an ecosystem where individuals can realize their full potential. The President & Chief Executive Officer's strategic direction is crucial for maintaining BRAC's position as a leading international non-governmental development organization, impacting millions across Africa and Asia. Julia Roberts's executive oversight ensures the continuous refinement and expansion of BRAC's holistic development model, integrating microfinance, education, health, and human rights initiatives to catalyze lasting change and combat exploitation and discrimination worldwide.

    Upoma Husain - Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC

    Upoma Husain, the Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC at BRAC, directs the strategic operations and financial inclusion initiatives within Rwanda. Overseeing the microfinance portfolio, Husain ensures the delivery of cost-effective, evidence-based programs tailored to empower local communities and foster economic self-sufficiency. This leadership position involves driving BRAC's mission to equip disadvantaged populations with the tools and resources needed to achieve prosperity and break cycles of poverty. By focusing on sustainable microfinance solutions, the Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC facilitates access to capital and essential services, enabling individuals to seize control of their own lives. Upoma Husain's executive management is critical for expanding BRAC's impact in the region, reinforcing its commitment to social enterprise and holistic development. The Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC's efforts directly contribute to creating an ecosystem where individuals can realize their potential and overcome economic barriers.

    Sadman Tanzim - President

    Sadman Tanzim, the President at BRAC, leads strategic initiatives and oversees key operational areas of the organization. Directing high-level planning and execution, Tanzim ensures BRAC's programs effectively address the needs of poor and disadvantaged communities in low-income countries, aligning with the vision of a world free from exploitation. This executive role involves driving the implementation of innovative development and social enterprise approaches that equip communities to achieve prosperity. By fostering collaboration and strategic partnerships, the President enhances BRAC's capacity to deliver impactful solutions across Africa and Asia. Sadman Tanzim's leadership is crucial for maintaining BRAC's position as a global leader in development, championing its holistic approach to poverty alleviation. The President's oversight ensures the continuous refinement of strategies aimed at empowering individuals and enabling them to realize their full potential, solidifying BRAC's commitment to lasting change.

    Gustavo Cañola - President

    Gustavo Cañola, the President at BRAC, directs strategic planning and oversees critical operational frameworks for the organization's global initiatives. Leading the charge in implementing BRAC's evidence-based programs, Cañola ensures their effective deployment in low-income countries, particularly in challenging settings like conflict-prone and post-disaster areas. This executive position focuses on advancing BRAC's vision of a world where everyone can realize their potential, free from exploitation and discrimination. By championing pioneering development and social enterprise approaches, the President empowers communities to achieve prosperity and gain control over their lives. Gustavo Cañola's executive guidance is vital for expanding BRAC's reach and impact across Africa and Asia, reinforcing its status as a top-tier international NGO. The President's strategic direction supports the creation of an ecosystem that catalyzes lasting change and fosters sustainable development for the most vulnerable populations.

    Abdul Aziz - Chief Marketing Officer

    Abdul Aziz, the Chief Marketing Officer at BRAC, spearheads all global marketing and communication strategies. Overseeing brand positioning and public relations, Aziz ensures BRAC's impactful work and vision of a world free from exploitation are effectively communicated to diverse stakeholders. This role involves developing and executing campaigns that highlight BRAC's cost-effective, evidence-based programs and its pioneering social enterprise approaches. By amplifying the organization's reach and influence, the Chief Marketing Officer plays a vital part in attracting support and fostering partnerships essential for BRAC's continued growth and impact in low-income countries. Abdul Aziz's leadership drives initiatives that showcase BRAC's commitment to empowering disadvantaged communities and enabling them to achieve prosperity. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are instrumental in reinforcing BRAC's reputation as a world-leading NGO, recognized for its innovation, impact, and governance across Africa and Asia.

    Md Hasan Forhad - Customer Relations Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Credit Officer

    Md Hasan Forhad, the Customer Relations Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Credit Officer at BRAC, manages critical functions related to revenue generation and client engagement. Overseeing credit operations and customer relations, Forhad ensures the financial sustainability of BRAC's programs while maintaining strong relationships with beneficiaries and partners. This multifaceted role involves developing strategies to optimize revenue streams and enhance the effectiveness of credit services, directly supporting BRAC's mission to empower disadvantaged communities. By focusing on efficient revenue management and robust credit policies, the Customer Relations Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Credit Officer contributes to BRAC's ability to implement its evidence-based development initiatives across low-income countries. Md Hasan Forhad's leadership ensures that financial mechanisms are aligned with the organization's broader goals of fostering prosperity and enabling individuals to achieve their potential. The Customer Relations Officer & Chief Revenue Officer & Credit Officer's work is integral to BRAC's operational excellence and its commitment to social enterprise.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BRAC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BRAC?
    BRAC is led by Julia Roberts (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Upoma Husain (Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC) and Sadman Tanzim (President).
    Who is part of BRAC’s executive team?
    The executive team of BRAC includes leaders such as Julia Roberts (President & Chief Executive Officer), Upoma Husain (Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC), Sadman Tanzim (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BRAC have?
    BRAC has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BRAC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BRAC includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, BRAC, Rwanda Microfinance Co PLC, President, President, Chief Marketing Officer.