Vivek Kumar Named President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific

Experienced leader to guide JA's mission of equipping youth with skills and confidence to thrive in the Asia Pacific region

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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JA Worldwide has announced that Vivek Kumar will serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Asia Pacific. Vivek brings over two decades of leadership experience across the private sector, public service, and international NGOs, most recently as CEO of WWF-Singapore. He will lead JA's efforts to deliver transformative entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability programs to millions of young people across the Asia Pacific region.

Why it matters

The Asia Pacific region is home to more than 60% of the world's young people, making it essential to JA's global mission of equipping youth with the skills and confidence to thrive. Vivek's experience leading impact-oriented transformation across sectors and his commitment to youth opportunity make him well-suited to guide JA's expansion and deepen its partnerships in this critical region.

The details

Vivek Kumar joins JA Asia Pacific at a pivotal moment, as the region is positioned to shape the global future. In his previous role as CEO of WWF-Singapore, he supported a global network, sharpened strategic priorities, and deepened partnerships to deliver greater conservation impact. These experiences align directly with JA's operating model and the opportunities for scale across Asia Pacific.

  • Vivek Kumar will begin his new role as President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific on February 16, 2026.

The players

Vivek Kumar

An experienced leader with over two decades of experience across the private sector, public service, and international NGOs. He most recently served as the CEO of WWF-Singapore.

JA Asia Pacific

One of the most dynamic regions of JA Worldwide, operating in some of the world's largest economies and fastest-growing communities. It delivers transformative entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability programs to millions of young people each year.

JA Worldwide

One of the world's largest and most impactful youth-serving nonprofits, delivering more than 23 million hands-on, immersive student learning experiences each year across more than 120 countries.

PG Raghuraman

The JA Asia Pacific Board Chair, who expressed confidence in Vivek's leadership to make an impact in the region and its growing young communities.

Asheesh Advani

The CEO of JA Worldwide, who emphasized the importance of Vivek's appointment to lead JA Asia Pacific, a central part of the organization's global mission.

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What they’re saying

“Vivek sees a significant opportunity for JA Asia Pacific to make an impact in the region and its growing young communities. An avid reader, he brings a deeply thoughtful, values-driven approach to leadership and is focused on strengthening how innovation, partnerships, and emerging technologies can expand opportunities for youth. We are delighted to have him join us at JA.”

— PG Raghuraman, JA Asia Pacific Board Chair (bakercityherald.com)

“JA Asia Pacific is central to our global mission. With the majority of the world's youth living in this region, the opportunities and responsibilities for preparing young people for meaningful work and economic participation are immense. Vivek's experience leading impact-oriented transformation across sectors, as well as his commitment to youth opportunity, make him the right leader for JA Asia Pacific.”

— Asheesh Advani, JA Worldwide CEO (bakercityherald.com)

“I was born to educator parents in a small town and, from an early age, I saw how education can bring hope and open doors for young people. I admire JA's ability to help young people see what's possible, to build confidence through real-world experiences, and to connect education to opportunity. The region's diversity and energy are unmatched, and I'm excited to work alongside our member organizations to expand JA's impact and support millions more young people in discovering their potential.”

— Vivek Kumar (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

Vivek Kumar will officially begin his new role as President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific on February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Vivek Kumar's appointment as the new President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific underscores the organization's commitment to expanding opportunities for youth in one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly transforming regions. His experience leading impact-driven initiatives and his passion for education make him well-positioned to guide JA's efforts to equip millions of young people with the skills and confidence to thrive.