8 February 2010, Sydney, Australia – Chris Sadler has been named Chairman Elect of Opportunity International Australia, a non-profit organisation that uses a business approach to solve the problem of poverty. A director since May 2008, Chris will take over from Andrew Tyndale when his term as Chairman ends in May 2010.

With extensive experience working with not-for-profits, Chris currently sits on the Board of Christian organisation Alpha International in London, as well as further Alpha Boards in the Asia-Pacific region (including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Australia). He is also a member of the Opportunity International Network Board and a Director of Opportunity International Australia’s Indian subsidiary, Dia Vikas Capital.

With a background in investment banking, Chris spent 20 years working for several leading international investment banks including JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and Citigroup. He has held postings in New York, London and Australia and has worked in mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, equity and debt financings.

Chris is also a non-executive Director on a number of corporate Boards, including Eastern Star Gas Limited (coal steam gas), Mitre 10 Australia Limited (hardware) and Austock Group Limited (financial services). In addition, Chris works as an advisor to Daniels Sharpsmart Group (healthcare) and Xchanging plc (business process outsourcing).

Chris Sadler said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be a part of such an inspiring organisation. With my background in finance, I am encouraged by the sustainable impact Opportunity International Australia has on people’s lives through microfinance loans. It’s great to see the positive changes these loans are bringing to people living in poverty. In my visits to countries such as India and Indonesia, I have seen firsthand the result a small loan can have on a family, their business and their children. I know that in 2010 and beyond, we can have an even bigger impact on the injustice of poverty.”

Andrew Tyndale, current Opportunity International Australia Chairman said, “I have known Chris for a number of years and I am very happy to be handing him the reins of Chairman. I have greatly enjoyed my position as Chairman and I’m excited to continue supporting Opportunity International Australia’s mission to break the cycle of poverty and transform lives.”

Robert Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity International Australia commented, “We are looking forward to working with Chris as Chairman. His expertise and experience will be a tremendous asset to the team and will aid us in our work to fight poverty.”

Opportunity International Australia thanks Andrew Tyndale for his 12 years of inspiring commitment to the Opportunity International Australia Board. His tireless passion, expertise and commitment have helped develop and sustain Opportunity International Australia as a world leader in development through microfinance.

For more information about Opportunity International Australia, please visit www.opportunity.org.au