The Gates Foundation has appointed development economist Kalpana Kochhar to temporarily oversee South and Southeast Asia.
Currently director of development policy and finance at the foundation, Kocchar will step in as interim director for the two sub-regions. Her appointment follows the shift of incumbent South and Southeast Asia director Hari Menon to a new role as president of global growth and opportunity, based in Seattle.
Kalpana Kochhar has been appointed interim director for South and Southeast Asia for the Gates Foundation. Image: LinkedIn
Kochhar will be based in Washington DC. A Gates Foundation spokesperson told Eco-Business that a move to a location in South or Southeast Asia was not currently being planned for Kochhar.
The Gates Foundation announced setting up a Singapore office – its first in Southeast Asia – last May. The foundation’s spokesperson said that the Singapore office should be up and running by May of this year.
In her role, Kochhar will work with governments, regional institutions and local partners to ensure the foundation’s programmes are aligned with local priorities and deliver measurable, long-term impact, according to a statement from the foundation.
“South and Southeast Asia are central to the future of global progress,” Kochhar said. “By deepening our presence in the region and working hand-in-hand with local partners, the Gates Foundation can better support solutions that are locally driven, sustainable, and capable of delivering meaningful impact for millions of people.”
Kochhar brings more than 30 years of experience in global economic policy, having held senior roles at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Since joining the Gates Foundation in 2021, she has led its advisory group of economists and development finance experts.
Her appointment comes amid a broader recalibration of priorities by the foundation’s co-chair Bill Gates. In a recent statement ahead of the COP30 climate talks, the billionaire said there was a need for philanthropy and governments to refocus on tackling extreme poverty, preventable diseases and basic development gaps, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, even as climate change remains a critical risk multiplier.
Gates argued that while climate action is important, progress on poverty reduction, global health and education cannot be sidelined – especially in regions such as South and Southeast Asia where climate impacts, food insecurity and disease burdens overlap most acutely.
A recent commitment that exemplifies this strategic rethink was made in November, when the Gates Foundation made a US$1.4 billion investment in innovations that will help farmers across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia adapt to extreme weather.
Last May, Gates committed to give away almost all of his wealth over the next two decades, and close the Gates Foundation on 31 December, 2045.
The Gates Foundation has steadily expanded its work in Asia in recent years, supporting initiatives on vaccines, maternal and child health, nutrition, agricultural productivity, financial inclusion and climate resilience.
Menon said Kochhar’s leadership would help the foundation navigate an increasingly complex development landscape.
“As the foundation strengthens its presence in South and Southeast Asia, her experience and deep understanding of regional priorities will help ensure our partnerships continue to drive lasting, inclusive progress,” he said.
