BRAC Executive and Leadership Team

Upoma Husain, the Chief Executive Officer, Brac Microfinance Co Plc (Rwanda) at BRAC, directs all microfinance initiatives across the East African region. By architecting scalable financial inclusion models, the Chief Executive Officer, Brac Microfinance Co Plc (Rwanda) ensures that low-income entrepreneurs access essential capital for business growth. This leadership role involves managing complex credit portfolios while maintaining rigorous risk assessment standards to protect vulnerable populations. Upoma Husain drives operational efficiency by integrating digital banking solutions into traditional community lending frameworks. Through the expansion of micro-credit services, the Chief Executive Officer, Brac Microfinance Co Plc (Rwanda) supports the broader organizational mission of poverty alleviation. Husain collaborates with regional stakeholders to refine lending policies, ensuring alignment with the specific economic needs of Rwandan communities. By optimizing loan disbursement processes, Husain secures long-term financial stability for thousands of households, directly contributing to the overarching goal of creating self-reliant, prosperous societies within the Global South.

Julia Roberts, the President & Chief Executive Officer at BRAC, oversees the global strategic direction of the organization. By aligning diverse programs such as education, health, and agriculture, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the mission of eradicating exploitation remains the primary focus across all 11 countries of operation. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships with international donors and government bodies to sustain large-scale development projects. Julia Roberts drives innovation by championing evidence-based social enterprise approaches that empower communities to seize control of individual futures. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the organization's status as a premier global NGO. Roberts monitors the impact of humanitarian interventions, adjusting organizational priorities to address emerging challenges in conflict-prone settings. Ultimately, Roberts secures the resources and governance frameworks necessary to catalyze lasting change, ensuring that the organization continues to reach millions of people through effective, holistic development strategies.

Gustavo Cañola, the President at BRAC, manages the execution of large-scale social enterprise projects across the organization's international footprint. By overseeing the implementation of cost-effective development programs, the President ensures that resources reach the most disadvantaged communities in both Asia and Africa. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional directors to scale successful models in agriculture and gender rights, ensuring that local interventions remain consistent with global quality standards. Gustavo Cañola drives operational excellence by streamlining project delivery mechanisms, which allows for greater efficiency in post-disaster and conflict-prone settings. Through the strategic allocation of material and human resources, the President supports the expansion of the organization's reach into new markets. Cañola works closely with the Board to evaluate program efficacy, utilizing data-driven insights to refine the approach to social change. By maintaining a focus on sustainable growth, Cañola ensures that the organization continues to provide the tools necessary for communities to achieve long-term prosperity.

Mahbub Mannan, the Chief Human Resources Officer at BRAC, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the world's largest NGO. By architecting comprehensive workforce management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that thousands of staff members across Africa and Asia possess the skills required to implement complex development programs. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of inclusivity and professional growth, which remains vital for maintaining high operational standards in diverse geographic settings. Mahbub Mannan drives performance management initiatives that align individual contributions with the broader organizational goals of poverty reduction and social justice. Through the implementation of robust training protocols, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the professional advancement of local staff, enabling communities to lead their own development efforts. Mannan collaborates with executive leadership to refine internal policies, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains top-tier talent dedicated to the mission of creating a world free from discrimination.