LONDON, UK: ASA International Group, one of the world’s largest international microfinance institutions, announced the appointment of Ms Karin Kersten as CEO of the Group as of 15 June 2023.
In line with the announcement by the Company on 24 February 2023, Mr. Dirk Brouwer, Co-Founder of ASA International stepped into a new role as of 15 June 2023.
After the AGM on 15 June 2013 the Board approved the appointment of Karin Kersten as CEO along with the appointment of Dirk Brouwer as (i) Deputy Chairman of the Board of ASA International and (ii) Special Adviser to the new CEO, the Executive Committee and the broader management team.
In his new role, the Company expects Dirk to (a) smoothen the path of transition and (b) support the new leadership going forward. In this capacity the Board fully expects Mr. Brouwer to continue to make a significant contribution to the strategic and operational development of the business for the foreseeable future.
At the AGM, the Shareholders also approved the appointment of Chris Low as Non-Executive Director (following his appointment to the Board on 1 February 2023). Chris has been appointed as Chair of Audit and Risk Committee as of 15 June 2023.
Gavin Laws retired as Non-Executive Director having joined the Board of ASA International on 22 January 2013.
Guy Dawson, Chairman of the Board, comments: “As a Board, we congratulate Karin on her appointment as CEO of the Company. I am confident that we have the leadership in place to enable ASA International to continue to thrive in a turbulent world. Serving close to 2.5 million female clients, the Company is a strong advocate of female entrepreneurship. With Karin at the helm of our Company, we will further drive female leadership and diversity in our organisation.”
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Dirk, being the co-founder of the Company, for his leadership and drive to build and grow the Company into one of the leading international microfinance institutions, as well as for his continued commitment to the Company in his new role.”
“Gavin Laws will be retiring after ten years of service. We are sincerely grateful to Gavin for his steadfast and skilful contribution to the Board and wish him every success in his second retirement. We are fortunate to welcome in his stead Chris Low, who brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role of Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee.”