Open Society Institute Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Open Society Institute has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to open societies, Open Society Institute champions human rights and democratic values globally, fostering resilient communities through strategic philanthropic initiatives and advocacy.

Leadership Roles at Open Society Institute

  • Chief Financial Officer - Maija Arbolino
  • Chief Operating Officer - Leela Ramdhani
  • Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of - Fatima Munoz
  • Director of the Office of Chief Operating Officer and Application Engineering - Rashmi Batra
  • President - Binaifer Nowrojee
  • Administrative Officer, President's Office - Rita Lo
  • Chief Information Officer - Yalan Teng
  • Global Chief Information Officer - Marilyn Law
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Sofiya Gekhel
  • Chief Operations Officer - Caroline Anstey
  • Maija Arbolino - Chief Financial Officer

    Maija Arbolino, the Chief Financial Officer at Open Society Institute, directs the organization's financial strategy and fiscal management. Overseeing all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions, Arbolino ensures robust financial health and compliance across global operations. This leadership role involves managing investment portfolios and optimizing resource allocation to support the institute's mission. By implementing stringent financial controls, Maija Arbolino drives fiscal responsibility and sustainability. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to financial planning and analysis, providing critical insights for strategic decision-making and ensuring the efficient deployment of capital to advance the institute's programmatic goals.

    Leela Ramdhani - Chief Operating Officer

    Leela Ramdhani, the Chief Operating Officer at Open Society Institute, orchestrates the organization's operational infrastructure and efficiency. Ramdhani directs day-to-day administrative functions, ensuring seamless execution of programs and strategic initiatives across all departments. This leadership position involves optimizing internal processes, managing cross-functional teams, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. By streamlining workflows and implementing best practices, Leela Ramdhani strengthens the institute's capacity to achieve its global objectives. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include overseeing human resources, IT infrastructure, and facilities management, thereby supporting the broader mission of promoting open societies.
    Leela Ramdhani

    Fatima Munoz - Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of

    Fatima Munoz, the Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of at Open Society Institute, provides critical operational support and strategic oversight. Munoz manages key administrative functions and ensures the efficient execution of directives from the executive leadership. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental activities, optimizing resource deployment, and enhancing overall organizational performance. By driving operational excellence, Fatima Munoz contributes significantly to the institute's capacity to advance human rights and democratic principles. The Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, plays a vital part in maintaining the smooth functioning of the organization's global initiatives.
    Fatima Munoz

    Rashmi Batra - Director of the Office of Chief Operating Officer and Application Engineering

    Rashmi Batra, the Director of the Office of Chief Operating Officer and Application Engineering at Open Society Institute, drives critical operational initiatives and application development. Batra oversees the engineering of software solutions that support the institute's programmatic work and internal operations. This leadership position involves managing project lifecycles, ensuring the quality of application outputs, and aligning technology development with strategic goals. By directing application engineering efforts, Rashmi Batra enhances the organization's technological capabilities. The Director of the Office of Chief Operating Officer and Application Engineering plays a key role in optimizing operational efficiency through innovative software solutions.

    Binaifer Nowrojee - President

    Binaifer Nowrojee, the President at Open Society Institute, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the organization's global mission. Nowrojee champions the institute's commitment to open societies, human rights, and democratic governance, guiding programmatic initiatives and advocacy efforts. This principal role involves setting the vision, fostering key partnerships, and ensuring the effective implementation of strategies across all regions. By leading with a focus on impact, Binaifer Nowrojee drives the organization's efforts to empower communities and promote social justice worldwide. The President's leadership is instrumental in advancing the institute's core values and expanding its influence.
    Binaifer Nowrojee

    Rita Lo - Administrative Officer, President's Office

    Rita Lo, the Administrative Officer, President's Office at Open Society Institute, provides essential administrative support to the President and the executive leadership team. Lo manages critical office functions, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities and the efficient coordination of schedules and communications. This role involves handling correspondence, organizing meetings, and supporting strategic initiatives emanating from the President's office. By maintaining organizational efficiency, Rita Lo contributes directly to the effective functioning of the institute's leadership. The Administrative Officer, President's Office, plays a vital part in facilitating the President's strategic oversight and programmatic direction.
    Rita Lo

    Yalan Teng - Chief Information Officer

    Yalan Teng, the Chief Information Officer at Open Society Institute, spearheads the organization's technology strategy and digital transformation. Teng directs the development and implementation of IT infrastructure, ensuring secure and efficient data management and communication systems. This critical role involves overseeing cybersecurity measures, software development, and technology innovation to support programmatic outreach. By leveraging advanced technological solutions, Yalan Teng enhances the institute's operational capabilities and global reach. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes managing IT budgets, leading technology teams, and ensuring that information systems align with the organization's mission to foster open societies.

    Marilyn Law - Global Chief Information Officer

    Marilyn Law, the Global Chief Information Officer at Open Society Institute, leads the strategic direction of information technology across all international operations. Law oversees the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of global IT systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity and data integrity. This executive function involves driving technological innovation to support the institute's mission of promoting open societies worldwide. By enhancing digital infrastructure and fostering technological adoption, Marilyn Law strengthens the organization's global impact. The Global Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT strategy, leading global technology teams, and ensuring alignment with programmatic objectives.
    Marilyn Law

    Sofiya Gekhel - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Sofiya Gekhel, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Open Society Institute, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the organization's technology landscape. Gekhel assists in the implementation of IT strategies, focusing on enhancing system performance and security across global platforms. This role involves overseeing specific technology projects and ensuring the effective integration of new digital tools. By contributing to technological advancements, Sofiya Gekhel aids in strengthening the institute's operational capacity. The Deputy Chief Information Officer's efforts are crucial in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of information systems that support the organization's mission.

    Caroline Anstey - Chief Operations Officer

    Caroline Anstey, the Chief Operations Officer at Open Society Institute, directs the organization's operational framework and strategic execution. Anstey oversees the management of global programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and operational integrity. This executive function involves leading diverse teams, optimizing internal processes, and enhancing organizational effectiveness to support the institute's mission. By driving operational excellence, Caroline Anstey strengthens the capacity of Open Society Institute to advance human rights and democratic values. The Chief Operations Officer's leadership ensures the seamless delivery of services and support across all programmatic areas.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Open Society Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Open Society Institute?
    Open Society Institute is led by Maija Arbolino (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Leela Ramdhani (Chief Operating Officer) and Fatima Munoz (Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of).
    Who is part of Open Society Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Open Society Institute includes leaders such as Maija Arbolino (Chief Financial Officer), Leela Ramdhani (Chief Operating Officer), Fatima Munoz (Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Open Society Institute have?
    Open Society Institute has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Open Society Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Open Society Institute includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Office of, Director of the Office of Chief Operating Officer and Application Engineering, President.