The World Economic Forum announced the members of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2016 and seven of the coveted spots went to members of the YPO community. These enterprising and socially minded men and women under the age of 40 are working in diverse fields ranging from e-commerce, oil and retail to social enterprise and education to make a positive impact around the world.
“It’s humbling to be recognized among a group of individuals who are making a real difference in the world,” says Clearly CEO Roy Hessel, who joined the YPO British Columbia Chapter in 2016. As founder of three eye-care organizations, Hessel focuses on using technology to make prescription eyeglasses and other forms of vision correction affordable and accessible worldwide. Through Change the View, the philanthropic arm of Clearly, the company has reached more than 550,000 people who otherwise would not have received vision care. Current studies estimate that half the world’s population will be myopic by 2050, and Roy believes he has a responsibility to help combat this ill. “My association with YGL is a unique opportunity to advance the cause of better vision and eye health, and to learn more about and contribute to broader challenges I have a special interest in, such as energy and education,” says Hessel.
Jonathan Nathusius, a member of the YPO Guatemala Chapter since 2014 and CEO of Grupo Cemaco, manages a growing company of 2,000 employees of home, toy and baby department stores in Guatemala with a conscious social responsibility mission. One of seven YGLs from Latin America, Nathusius operates under the 10 principles of the UN Global Impact, further reinforcing Cemaco’s commitment to its employees as well as the local communities in which it operates. Prior to joining Grupo Cemaco, Nathusius was a Senior Associate at Violy & Company, a New York-based boutique investment bank focused on Latin America, where he specialized in the beverage and retail sectors.
A leading female business leader and expert in e-commerce, Maelle Gavet, executive vice president, global operations, Priceline Group, was also recently honored as one of the 50 most inspirational tech women in Europe by “Inspiring Fifty” as well as 40 Under 40 by “Fortune” among others. She has earned spots on these lists of changemakers by working to enhance the in-app experience at travel destination for Priceline and more than doubling sales as the CEO of Ozon, Russia’s top e-commerce business. As a YGL, Gavet, a YPO member since 2014, hopes to address issues around education and “how new technologies and the Internet impact the role played by the government in our societies,” with regard to data access, privacy and free speech.
“I have been following the YGL community for a long time,” says Pedro Moneo Lain, CEO and founder of Opinno, one of two candidates selected from Spain. “It is indeed a great opportunity to be part of this network.” A seasoned serial entrepreneur and a member of the YPO Madrid Chapter since 2014, he built his latest venture, Opinno, into one of the largest innovation consulting companies in the Spanish-speaking world in just eight years. Through a network of more than 150,000 experts, investors, executives and technology specialists in over 20 countries, Opinno helps transform non-digital businesses into dynamic, innovative enterprises for the digital age. “YPO has been a great network for me to get connected to inspiring and diverse leaders from all over the world,” he says. Building upon his experiences as a YPO member, he hopes to scale his work, impact and network during his five-year journey as a YGL.
One of 10 YGLs from the Middle East and North Africa region, Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum and vice chairman of the board of the Crescent Group, is a recognized expert in the oil and gas industry. A YPO member since 2012, his influence extends across the for-profit and non-profit sectors. As chairman of the Middle East-North Africa Business Council and the Oil & Gas Independents Community at the World Economic Forum, as well as co-chair of the Business Backs Education campaign launched by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Jafar has worked with diverse political, business and social leaders to bring about positive change and to address issues of education, development and instability in the region.
Director of Hirdaramani Group, Aroon Hirdaramani has played a key role in the company’s exponential growth since 2003, while also paving the way for sustainability and environmental-friendly business practices in Sri Lanka. From opening numerous LEED-certified factories to implementing cutting-edge technology, Hirdaramani has invested significantly in a 10-point sustainability strategy designed to prevent, reduce and mitigate the impact of its textile and manufacturing operations on the environment and natural resources. As a YGL, Hirdaramani hopes to address climate change and sustainable manufacturing processes that can be scaled across industries as well as to help improve the lives of all employees in the global apparel supply chain. “I hope to engage with the diverse and talented community that the YGL incorporates and identify global issues and challenges that are relevant to my industry and country and to collaborate with key stakeholders to work on solving these issues,” says Hirdaramani, who joined the YPO Colombo Chapter in 2009.
As managing director of Yale Center Beijing, Carol Li Rafferty builds relationships with key business, government and thought leaders from all disciplines and develops academic programs that facilitate meaningful dialogue between China and the world. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Rafferty co-founded Lean In Beijing in 2013. The YPO forum experience and moderator training have provided her with the skills and mindset necessary to grow both of these organizations and to take this next step as a YGL.“I come from a family that has been heavily involved in business and public service for generations,” says Raffert, whose husband, Colm, joined the YPO Beijing Chapter in 2012. “I look forward to connecting with the other Young Global Leaders, for ideas and inspiration, and for opportunities to collaborate and make a positive impact.”