It is our distinct honor to announce with excitement the appointment of Kiva’s new CEO, Vishal Ghotge. Vishal assumed the role of CEO and board director on January 9, 2023.
In Vishal, we have found a leader who is the walking embodiment of Kiva’s culture, values and mission, both personally and professionally. He possesses a rare mix of skills, experience and qualities particularly suited to Kiva’s needs at this time. Most notably, reaching underserved immigrant populations with financial technology solutions at Remitly, the leader in cross border remittances to 170+ countries. Vishal led the North America division, which accounted for the majority of Remitly’s impact and revenue. More broadly, he brings a consistent track record of success leading multi-disciplinary organizations at PayScale and Groupon. Those who work with Vishal consistently describe his signature leadership style as inspiring, visionary and mission-focused; characterizing him as a unifying leader who is authentic, trusted, empathetic and collaborative. Other hallmarks are his talents as a skillful operating manager and a gifted product and engineering leader who has led and scaled organizations through periods of meaningful change, innovation and rapid growth.
Vishal grew up in Mumbai and his personal journey echoes Kiva’s own work. What he witnessed, overcame and accomplished over the course of his life and career are metaphors for the dreams fueling Kiva’s entrepreneurs and the challenges they seek to surpass. Vishal’s passion and articulation of Kiva’s mission and potential are infectious and inspiring, which is why we believe he will be a compelling role model and spokesperson to all stakeholders - staff, lenders, borrowers, volunteers, partners, funders and our global Kiva community at large.
In his own words -
“I have long admired Kiva as an organization and the incredible impact it has had on millions of people around the globe. To be entrusted with the responsibility of leading this organization is nothing short of an honor for me. I have personally seen the struggles of entrepreneurs in developing nations and the tremendous difference organizations like Kiva have made in their lives. I believe growing our reach and deepening our impact are not just an opportunity, but rather a moral obligation for us. I look forward to working alongside Kiva’s global community to build the future of Kiva and help the organization serve millions more.”
- Vishal Ghotge
We invite you to follow Vishal on LinkedIn where he will share updates and news.
The promise of this new era stewarded by Vishal has reinvigorated our collective sense of possibility for broadening and deepening the ways Kiva lifts up the lives of those we humbly serve. Here’s to continuing this noble work of co-creating a more just, free and abundant world for all.
In service and with gratitude,
Andre Haddad, Chair, CEO Search Committee
Silvija Martincevic, Member, CEO Search Committee
Julie Hanna, Executive Board Chair, on behalf of Kiva’s Board of Directors
