Maziar Sabet Assumes Leadership of JA Asia Pacific
January 9, 2020
Starting today, Maziar Sabet assumes the position of President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific, which oversees JA operations in 18 locations. A seasoned executive, Maziar brings extensive management and global business development experience to JA Asia Pacific. He has an impressive track record of value creation in education and philanthropy. He lived in Singapore for seven years and has resided in Hong Kong SARsince 2013.
Before joining JA, Maziar Sabet served as President and CEO of Brakeley Asia, a global pioneer in fundraising counsel. Prior to Brakeley Asia, he served as Chief Advancement Officer for the Hong Kong International School, leading the school to historic achievements in annual fund participation, major gift fundraising, and alumni engagement.
Previously, Maziar worked as Senior Advisor at the World Bank, where he focused on the organization’s global efforts in environmental sustainability, and at Laureate Education as Vice President of Market Development, responsible for business development in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America.
Maziar also brings university experience, serving as Executive Director for the Asia Pacific region at INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools, which significantly grew its presence in Asia under Maziar’s tenure and saw record accomplishments in both philanthropy and corporate partnerships.
With an MBA from INSEAD, Maziar also studied at Georgetown University in the United States, Landegg International University in Switzerland, and Simon Fraser University in Canada.
The JA Worldwide team and JA Asia Pacific Board have been looking forward to Maziar’s first day. “Maziar joins us at an exciting time at JA as we embark on our second century of preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship,” said Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide. “Working closely with Maziar and the JA AP network,” added Karen Reddington, JA Asia Pacific Board Chair, “we look forward to continuing to increase our impact and reach through innovation, technology, and partnerships in the Asia Pacific region.”
Rob Gardiner, Executive Director of Prestasi Junior Indonesia, added, “The process for selecting the new regional leader for the JA Asia Pacific network included the voices of various stakeholder groups, including JA member countries. I’m pleased that, through that process, we have found the right leader at the right time to drive and support the rapid growth and opportunities for youth in the region.”
Hau Yee Ng, Executive Director of JA Singapore, agreed. “Maziar’s experience in the education sector and his expertise with raising funds for non-profit organizations will help us magnify our impact in Asia Pacific, home to 60% of the world’s youth. We’re excited to welcome and work with Maziar to inspire more young people in Singapore and across the region.”
Maziar looks forward to getting started. “I am delighted to take on the role of President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific,” he said, “and continue JA’s journey to raise the aspirations of young people, arming them with critical work skills and entrepreneurial experience, financial know-how, and technical innovations that propel them toward a life of economic stability and career success. I look forward to using my experience to build on the strong foundation laid down by my predecessor, Vivian Lau; the JA Asia Pacific board of directors and regional operating team; and the rest of the talented and dedicated JA network.”
Welcome, Maziar!