Ajay Banga Speaking Fee: $200,000 to $300,000

Ajay Banga serves as the President of the World Bank, a role he assumed in June 2023. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the organization's history, combining deep financial acumen with a passion for sustainable development. Born in Pune, India, Banga grew up in a home that valued education, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Delhi and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, equipping him with a robust foundation in both business and economics. Banga's professional career spans over three decades, distinguished by his innovative leadership and commitment to financial inclusivity. He began his career with Nestlé in India, where he spent 13 years exploring various roles in marketing, sales, and general management. His journey continued with stints at global companies, leading to his appointment as the CEO of Mastercard in 2010. Under his helm, Mastercard transitioned beyond a traditional payments company to a cutting-edge technology leader, promoting global financial inclusion and digital transformation. His tenure at Mastercard is renowned for strategic initiatives fostering technology-driven growth and impactful corporate responsibility. Beyond corporate milestones, Banga's vision encompasses a staunch advocacy for global development agendas. His tenure at the World Bank underscores his commitment to eradicating poverty and bolstering shared prosperity. Banga is known for championing partnerships that leverage technology and innovation to address pressing global challenges—ranging from climate change to economic inequities. His pragmatic approach marries ambitious policy-making with real-world solutions, driving scalable impact. Recognized globally for his contributions, Banga has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, influencing decisions that shape the future of international finance and development. He is a member of the U.S. President's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and has served as a co-chair of the Partnership for Central America. These roles demonstrate his willingness to build collaborations that transcend geographic and institutional boundaries, catalyzing progress through collective effort. Ajay Banga's leadership is characterized by empathy, insight, and a relentless drive to make business a force for good. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while keeping human-centric goals at the forefront is a testament to his visionary outlook. As the World Bank endeavors to tackle the most urgent issues of our time, Banga's guidance stands as a beacon of transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable world.