WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Laurel Strategies, the global business advisory and strategic communications firm, announced today that Dr. Rajiv Shah, former Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was appointed to the company's Board of Advisors.
“Raj is known for helping companies take a global perspective on growing their business while tackling intractable problems and managing the risks of global engagement, especially in emerging markets. We are delighted to have Raj’s experience forging public-private partnerships across all boundaries and political divides on the Laurel team," said the firm's President & CEO, Alan H. Fleischmann.
As USAID administrator, Dr. Shah was known for being the Obama Administration’s leading official who sought to partner with leaders in business, finance, technology and innovation to join in the global fight for progress, ending extreme poverty, and promoting entrepreneurship. He revitalized the private sector operations of the agency, catalyzed innovation, reformed procurement, and led the agency through worldwide emergencies and crises, from the earthquake in Haiti to Ebola.
“I am delighted to join Laurel Strategies, a firm providing leaders across public, private and civil society sectors actionable advice on strategy, investments, positioning, and geopolitics. I look forward to sharing with the Laurel team and clients my global insights and experience,” said Dr. Shah.
Dr. Shah was just elected to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation, carrying on his legacy advancing the well-being of vulnerable populations. Earlier last month, he joined Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service faculty as a distinguished fellow.
Prior to heading USAID, Dr. Shah served as Chief Scientist and Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics at the United States Department of Agriculture. He also spent eight years at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, from its inception, where he led efforts in global health, agriculture and financial services. He is credited for bringing vaccinations to tens of millions of children, including through the creating of immunization bonds, and restarting a green revolution for Africa while at the Gates Foundation.
Dr. Shah received his B.A. from the University of Michigan, his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and M.Sc in health economics from the Wharton School of Business.
About Laurel Strategies, Inc.
Laurel Strategies is a leading global business advisory and strategic communications firm dedicated to leading corporations, financial institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, foundations, and NGOs around the world. Laurel Strategies helps position its clients and partners to manage reputations, mitigate risk, secure investments and engage key stakeholders by building relationships that are transformational, not transactional. It works with senior leaders to tackle complex challenges, to synchronize the right strategy with the right people to deliver outcomes anywhere in the world. For more information on Laurel Strategies, please visit http://www.laurelstrategies.com.