BRAC Names Experienced Leader Arinjoy Dhar Deputy Executive Director
BRAC has appointed Arinjoy Dhar as its new Deputy Executive Director. This move strengthens the organization’s leadership. Mr. Dhar will oversee many important programs. These include Microfinance, Technology, Education, and Skills Development. He will also manage Migration Programs and daily Operations.
Mr. Dhar first joined BRAC in January 2022. He served as the Senior Director of Microfinance. Under his leadership, BRAC’s Microfinance program grew significantly. It now serves 12 million clients. The program operates across 3,300 branches in Bangladesh.
He has introduced key financial services for many people. For example, 1.5 million farmers now have crop insurance. Also, 12 million policies have been issued under Credit Shield Insurance. Mr. Dhar also led the digital shift for credit services. The Microfinance client app is now used by 1.7 million clients.
Mr. Dhar strongly supports technology and gender equality. He helped double the number of women in leadership roles at BRAC. Women make up 89 percent of BRAC’s borrowers. They also form more than 45 percent of its workforce.
Speaking about his new role, Mr. Dhar said it is an honor. He spoke about the fast-changing world. He said BRAC must stay close to the communities it serves. The organization needs to meet their changing needs. It must find lasting and practical ways to create impact.
Before joining BRAC, Mr. Dhar worked for HSBC for over two decades. He held top financial leadership positions. His work at HSBC took him to Hong Kong, Canada, China, and Bangladesh. He brings wide experience from banking and technology sectors.
Mr. Dhar also holds several important positions outside his main role. He chairs BRACNet Limited. He is a director on the boards of Guardian Life Insurance Company and BRAC IT Services. He also advises BRAC University, the University of Galway, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
He holds a Master’s degree from Lancaster University. He is also a respected member of several professional accounting bodies. These include the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK) and CPA Australia.
