Ajay Banga is president and chief executive officer of Mastercard and a member of its board of directors. Since joining the organization in 2009, Ajay has led Mastercard on an inclusion journey, including the expansion of its global inclusion and diversity council, which he co-chairs. Under his leadership, Mastercard embraces, encourages and supports its people to bring their whole selves to work and use their unique perspectives as a competitive differentiator. The company pursues diversity and inclusion to help people – employees, customers, citizens – succeed and thrive. That begins by opening doors and providing a level playing field, further reinforcing the power of the individual and unique experiences that make business more valuable and life more rewarding. Ajay regularly speaks to executive groups and students groups, sharing his perspective on issues that help support the principles of D&I. He is a co-founder of The Cyber Readiness Institute, first vice chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, a founding trustee of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum and is chairman emeritus of the American India Foundation. He was awarded the Padma Shri Award by the President of India in 2016 and with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2019. Ajay – and Mastercard’s – contributions to both social and financial inclusion are helping to make a difference in local communities, a true reflection of a commitment to do well by doing good.