Standard Chartered Foundation has named Nalini Tarakeshwar as Global Head of the Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy. She joins from UBS Optimus Foundation where she served as Deputy CEO, bringing over two decades of experience in the philanthropic sector.
The appointment comes as global youth unemployment rose to 12.4% in 2025. The Foundation targets young people facing barriers to employment and entrepreneurship through programs, partnerships, and financing mechanisms. To date, it has enabled over 100,000 jobs, with more than 50% filled by women, and reached over 700,000 lives.
Chief Strategy and Talent Officer Tanuj Kapilashrami, who serves as a Foundation trustee, said the appointment reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to addressing the youth employability crisis through structured programs and partnerships.