Tamara Hasan Abed, member of the board of trustees of Brac University and managing director of Brac Enterprises, has been elected the new chairperson of the board with effect from July 25, 2019. She succeeds Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the founding chairperson of Brac University, said a press release.

Tamara Abed has been serving as a member of the board since January 2011 and a member of the syndicate since March 2011. She has also been the chair of the board finance committee since December 2016.

Sir Fazle founded Brac University in 2001 with the aim of nurturing leaders of the future through high-quality tertiary education and research.

“At the age of 83, I feel the time is now right for me and others who joined the board of trustees with me, to make way for a new generation of leadership,” he said. 

“The present board comprises individuals with leadership experience in governance, enterprises, research, development, technology, art and culture,” Sir Fazle added.

Tamara Abed brings extensive experience in investment banking, entrepreneurship and social enterprises, with a career spanning over two decades, said the press release. As the managing director of Brac Enterprises, she heads 13 social enterprises including Aarong, Brac Dairy, and Brac Seed and Agro Enterprise.

She has an MBA in finance from Columbia University, USA. She completed her BSc in economics at London School of Economics.

“I am honoured to be elected chairperson of the board,” said Tamara Abed. “It’s a privilege to serve this remarkable university alongside our distinguished trustees to support the vice chancellor, leadership team, faculty, administration, students, and alumni. The board of trustees is committed to supporting Brac University’s vital mission to advance learning and development of future leaders.”