JA Worldwide has officially announced the appointment of Vivek Kumar as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Asia Pacific. This strategic leadership change comes at a pivotal moment when the Asia Pacific region is poised to significantly influence global dynamics, with more than 60 percent of the world's young population residing in this diverse and rapidly evolving area.
A Leader with Diverse Experience
Vivek Kumar brings over twenty years of comprehensive leadership experience spanning the private sector, public service, and international non-governmental organizations. Most recently, he served as the CEO of WWF-Singapore, where he played a crucial role in developing the organization, refining strategic priorities, and deepening partnerships to enhance conservation impact, including pioneering work in carbon finance.
Educational Commitment Rooted in Personal Experience
Born and raised in Bihar, India, Vivek developed an early understanding of education's transformative power in expanding opportunities and the consequences when systems fail to prepare youth for future challenges. This personal experience has fueled his lifelong commitment to improving how societies prepare young people for work, community engagement, and economic mobility.
"I'm hopeless at preventing myself from raising my hand when a worthy challenge presents itself," Vivek remarked with a smile, describing the instinct that has driven his willingness to tackle complex challenges and lead mission-driven transformations throughout his career.
Career Journey Across Sectors
Before his tenure at WWF, Vivek built a distinguished career that included regional leadership roles at multinational corporations such as Shell and significant positions within Singapore's Labour Movement. Throughout his professional journey from business to public sector to civil society, education has remained a constant and central theme in his work.
JA Asia Pacific's Strategic Importance
JA Asia Pacific represents one of JA Worldwide's most dynamic regions, operating in some of the world's largest economies and fastest-growing communities. The organization delivers hands-on programs in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability, reaching millions of young people annually while strengthening digital learning pathways and expanding partnerships with industry and government.
Leadership Endorsements
JA Asia Pacific Board Chair PG Raghuraman expressed strong confidence in Vivek's leadership, stating: "Vivek sees a significant opportunity for JA Asia Pacific to make an impact in the region and its growing young communities. He brings a deeply thoughtful, values-driven approach to leadership and is focused on strengthening how innovation, partnerships, and emerging technologies can expand opportunities for youth."
JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani emphasized the critical nature of this appointment: "JA Asia Pacific is central to our global mission. With the majority of the world's youth living in this region, the opportunities and responsibilities for preparing young people for meaningful work and economic participation are immense. Vivek's experience leading impact-oriented transformation across sectors makes him the right leader for JA Asia Pacific."
The appointment signals JA Worldwide's commitment to leveraging Vivek Kumar's extensive experience and passion for youth development to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Asia Pacific region's demographic significance and rapid transformation.
