Arpita Pal Agrawal has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Dia Vikas Capital Private Limited, Opportunity International Australia’s microfinance business in India.

Arpita’s most recent role was as Managing Director of M-CRIL, a social enterprise that provides high quality professional services for the economic enhancement of the lives of low-income families.

Previously, Arpita has been a Partner in Big 4 professional services firms. She has over 25 years of management and risk consulting experience with these firms, and her last role was as Telecom sector leader at PwC India. Arpita sits on the Supervisory Board of Oikocredit, a social impact investor, and is an independent director of Airtel Payments Bank, the banking arm of India’s biggest Telco.

“I am looking forward to working with Opportunity International partners, both existing and new, to help a wider section of marginalised women with innovative business models and impactful initiatives that can be carried out at scale,” said Arpita.

Dia Vikas and Opportunity International Australia work together with local microfinance partners to provide small loans to female entrepreneurs to help lift them and their families out of poverty. Their focus on empowering women is a perfect fit for Arpita.

“Throughout my three decades plus career, I have mentored and supported women by providing them access to resources, amplifying their voices and breaking gender stereotypes at the workplace,” added Arpita. “I have emphasised the importance of increasing their power and taking control over decisions and issues that shape their lives."

“I am excited about the future direction of Opportunity International Australia in our current theatres of operation,” said Scott Walters, CEO of Opportunity. “I’m thrilled that Arpita is bringing her depth and breadth of experience to lead the strategic growth of our activities in India.”

Arpita commenced her new role this month.