Opportunity International Australia’s CEO, Scott Walters, has welcomed the appointment of a new Chair, Walter Lewin, who has extensive experience in investments, funds management, finance and company directorships in Australia and internationally.

Mr Lewin is Chair of OneVentures, a leading Australian venture and growth capital firm focusing on technology and healthcare investments. Previously he was Managing Director of Merrill Lynch based in London and held senior roles at SBC Warburg (now UBS).

 

Walter Lewin

Opportunity is part of a global network, and a leading provider and pioneer of socially-focused microfinance in India and Indonesia. By providing small loans to women and families in need, Opportunity helps them grow their own businesses and generate sustainable incomes so women and families can lift themselves out of poverty with dignity. Mr Lewin takes over as Chair from Joanna White who has retired after serving as Chair since 2018.

“It’s a privilege and exciting to be able to work with the Opportunity team, and with our incredible local program partners, to assist women and families in Asia on their journey out of poverty,” Mr Lewin said.

He is passionate about poverty alleviation, and has regularly visited clients and local microfinance partners in India since joining the Opportunity board.

 

Walter Lewin (front) meeting Opportunity clients in India in February, with CEO Scott Walters (back)

“The women we serve are amazing people, who want the best for their families and children, just like all of us,” Mr Lewin said. “It is an honour to be able to meet and speak with them at their homes and businesses about their life journeys and their aspirations for themselves and their children.” 

“It’s striking how incredibly dignified, resourceful and hardworking they are, even when they experience hardships. Our clients are determined to get themselves and their children out of poverty, and they know what they need. What we need to do is provide them with the support and opportunities to get there.” 

“It is a powerful and humbling experience seeing the impact that Opportunity has on these families and seeing their lives change.”

Mr Lewin is looking forward to increasing the reach of Opportunity’s work in Asia, particularly through impact investment funds and harnessing investment capital to provide even greater reach and impact.

“The power of the Opportunity microfinance model is that the loans provided have historically had very low rates of default. That means the support Opportunity provides continues to do good work overtime, because new loans can be made with the repaid funds. It is a powerful cycle of being able to effectively continue to reach even more families.”

“We are delighted that Walter Lewin is taking up the leadership of Opportunity International Australia,” Scott Walters said.  “He brings a wealth of experience to his role and believes deeply in microfinance as an effective poverty alleviation tool, especially in countries like India and Indonesia.”

New Chair Walter Lewin, Opportunity Founder David Bussau, outgoing Chair Joanna White and CEO Scott Walters