siliconindia | | July 201519Banga at the end of his keynote remarked, " We can bend the arc of history towards financial inclusion and a world where more people have the opportunity to enjoy what we take for granted, but it will take all of us working together."Banga, the Man of Many AccoladesAfter his MBA from one of the prestigious management colleges in India, Banga began his career with Nestle India. He spent 13 years in the company in various roles from sales to management. Later, he spent two years at PepsiCo, where he launched the company’s fast food franchises. Also, during his stint at Citigroup, Banga held a variety of senior management roles in U.S., Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He oversaw the organization’s efforts in microfinance, before his departure from the banking organization after serving as CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific. He was appointed as president and COO of MasterCard, where he lead the formations of MasterCard Labs, later, recognizing his caliber, the Board of Directors, appointed him to serve as president and CEO of MasterCard. In 2014, Banga was the only Indian-origin person on Harvard Magazine’s annual best-performing CEOs in the world list. The list comprises of global CEOs who delivered solid results. In 2010, Under Banga, MasterCard’s total shareholder return was 169 per cent while market capitalization grew by $ 66 billion.Also in February, this year, Barack Obama, the President of U.S. appointed Banga as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, a key position in the administration. In addition, he is the current chairman of the U.S.-India Business Council and a fellow of the Foreign Policy Association and was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal in 2012.Banga is a member of International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Club of New York. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Business Roundtable; and is vice chair of the Financial Services Roundtable. There are numerous such accolades that Banga has garnered over the years for his broader vision that not only focuses on the growth of the company but also helps address social development issues such as financial inclusion and helping the world go beyond cash. "Other generations have eradicated disease, invented radio and television but the opportunity to drive nancial inclusion is unique to us and our time"Ajay Banga, President
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