Time for some personal news, as they say.
I’m delighted to announce that Niriksha Shetty will be taking over from me as Chief Executive Officer of Precision Development, from the beginning of April.
Niriksha grew up in Mumbai, where she lives today. She joined PxD in 2015 as a Project Manager, and she has risen through the ranks, to India Country Director and now Global Chief of Programs. She has demonstrated her abilities as a manager and leader. She is already leading our biggest country office, and leading our programmes across the organisation. She has everything: technical understanding, practical operations experience, the ability to manage people and finances, a passion for innovation and delivery, and excellent relationships with governments, funders and stakeholders. Niriksha has earned the respect, loyalty and trust of all our stakeholders.
I am not disappearing: I’ll continue to support PxD’s work as a member of the Advisory Group, focused on innovation and on identifying ways for us to continue to increase our impact. I will continue to do what I love: thinking about and learning how to make a difference to the lives of people living in poverty. I’ll continue to support particular PxD programmes, such as water tanks in Kenya, and innovative mechanisms to accelerate access to carbon markets.
I’m delighted to be passing on the baton to a new generation of leader, and especially to be handing over to someone who has a long history within PxD.
PxD has a great future under Niriksha’s leadership. We have an inspiring mission, a committed and expert staff, and an approach to supporting people to enable them to improve their livelihoods that is proven, effective, and scalable. I’m very proud of what we do, and of the values that guide us every day. I’ve learned so much from colleagues, partners, our advisers, the board and – most of all – from the people we serve. Though my role at PxD will change, I’ll continue to be a champion for PxD.
Amrita Ahuja, Chair of the PxD Board, says:
“On behalf of the Board of PxD, I am delighted to welcome Niriksha Shetty to the role of Chief Executive Officer to PxD. Niriksha brings the experience, talent and character required to lead PxD into the next leg of our organisational journey.
Leading the delivery of digital information services to over four million farmers across India has enabled Niriksha to build relationships with a variety of stakeholders including local government, agricultural experts, non-profits, academics, and most importantly, farmers across geographies and value chains. She is leading service delivery to help farmers cope with climate change , reach more women, and improve agricultural household incomes across our programs in India, Kenya and Ethiopia. She has led the smooth transition of two programs from PxD to government management – demonstrating her ability to collaborate and navigate complex stakeholder environments effectively.
Niriksha has a Masters in Public Administration/ International Development from Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government. Previously, she has worked at LEAD at Krea University, formerly known as Center for Microfinance, and J-PAL South Asia.
Niriksha takes over an organisation with a committed Board, experienced senior team and dedicated staff, at a time when PxD’s work has never been more important, as climate change worsens, access to digital technology continues to grow, and new technological advances like artificial intelligence (AI) become more useful and accessible to people across the world.
I wanted to thank Owen for his service as PxD’s CEO over the last four years. He has brought so much to the organization – strategically as well as in supporting the development and growth of the next generation of leaders within PxD. I fully support and understand Owen’s decision to take a step back and focus on the things that he loves doing. I am delighted that PxD will continue to benefit from Owen’s expertise and support as a consultant and strategic adviser, and as a member of PxD’s Advisory Group.”
Amrita Ahuja, PxD’s Board Chair