SKS Microfinance CEO in Young Global Leaders list

• Vikram Akula features among 121 professionals recognized by World Economic Forum

Hyderabad - March 12, 2008
The World Economic Forum, the not-for-profit international organization committed to improving the state of the world, has recognized Vikram Akula, CEO & founder, SKS Microfinance, as a Young Global Leader for his commitment to Indian society by economically empowering women living below poverty line. This honour is bestowed each year by the World Economic Forum to recognize and acknowledge the top young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Established in 2004 by Professor Klaus Schwab, The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique, multi-stakeholder community of the world’s most extraordinary young leaders, who dedicate a part of their time to jointly initiate, develop and drive innovative solutions on important, globally-oriented issues, including health, education, the environment, global governance and security, and development and poverty.

“It is an honour to be recognized by the World Economic Forum and be part of the Forum of Young Global Leaders. Through this platform every YGL will be able to get an insight into the needs of the poor woman in need of finance and impact their lives,” said Vikram Akula, Founder and CEO, SKS Microfinance.

From 5,000 candidates across the world, the Young Global Leaders were selected by a committee of 31 eminent international media leaders, including Thomas H. Glocer, Chief Executive Officer, Reuters, United Kingdom; Arthur Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher, The New York Times, USA; Robert Thomson, Publisher, Dow Jones & Company and The Wall Street Journal, USA; and Hisashi Hieda, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fuji Television Network, Japan. The selection committee is chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.