Girls running in rural Zambia

Our Leadership

A Note From Our Board

 

The VisionFund International Board of Directors has been blessed beyond measure to oversee the work of our Network of 28 microfinance institutions around the globe. Every day our financial inclusion work paves the way for life in all its fullness for vulnerable families on the journey out of poverty.

Since our founding in 2003 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of World Vision, VisionFund has grown to be the world’s largest Christian network of microfinance institutions, serving over one million clients every year. Livelihoods and economic empowerment are our ministry, and we seek to see lives transformed by Jesus Christ as He works through our lives, deeds and signs to bring tools to those marginalised by traditional finance mechanisms.  

Our 7,400 staff work tirelessly to design and implement financial and livelihood solutions that ensure our most vulnerable clients have access to tools to build sustainable livelihoods out of poverty. From our field-based officers to our senior directors, all our staff are called to serve clients with care, compassion and commitment. 

Our grassroots and community-based approach to change allows us to know the people, the problems, and the potential of each community we serve. Wherever we go, our local staff and particularly our community officers know and understand the community’s needs, supporting our clients to make the right decisions for their businesses, but more importantly for their families and children. 

Through the tools of micro-credit, micro-insurance and micro-savings, we are continually innovating to ensure our products match the needs of our clients, whatever their situation. VisionFund is proud to have women make up 70% of our worldwide client base, and we take their specific needs into account in all that we do. When women are able to create their own incomes, their families are better cared for and we witness change in children’s well-being, both in childhood and throughout their lives.

With our Christian beliefs as our foundation, we are committed to securing futures for the world's most vulnerable children. VisionFund is ready to commit boldly to a future free from poverty.

Board of Directors

Senior Leadership Team

Adrian Merryman, Chief Development Officer
Chief Development and Impact Investment Officer

Adrian Merryman

Adrian serves as VisionFund’s Chief Development Officer and on serves on the Board of VisionFund Myanmar.

Meet Adrian
Ljiljana Spasojevic, Regional Head - Africa
Regional Head - Africa

Ljiljana Spasojevic

Ljiljana Spasojevic became Regional Head of VFI Africa Region on 1 October 2018, having been WVI/VFI staff member since 1998.

Meet Ljiljana
Toria
Regional Head - Eastern Europe

Toria Withams

Toria Withams is the Regional Head - MEER Region and has been in this role since 2019.

Meet Toria
Annelise Thornton
Global Director, People & Culture, and Governance

Annelise Thornton

Annelise joined VisionFund International in May 2020.

Meet Annelise
Sally O'Neill
Chief Strategy, Impact & Services Officer

Sally O'Neill

Sally joined VisionFund International in June 2020 as the Chief Strategy, Impact & Services Officer.

Meet Sally
Edgar S. Martinez, VisionFund International President and CEO
President and Chief Executive Officer

Edgar S. Martinez

Edgar S. Martinez serves as VisionFund International’s President and CEO effective January 2021.

Meet Edgar
Ricardo Calvo
Regional Head - Latin America

Ricardo Calvo

Ricardo Calvo is the Regional Head for Latin America and the Caribbean for VisionFund International. He joined VisionFund with 30 years of experien

Meet Ricardo
Wesley Jordan, VisionFund Chief Operating and Technology Officer
Chief Operating and Technology Officer

Wesley Jordan

Wesley has 20 years of progressive experience in economic development, with an emphasis on financial inclusion, spanning Eastern Europe, Africa and

Meet Wesley
Barry Firth, VisionFund Chief Risk Officer
Chief Risk Officer

Barry Firth

Barry brings extensive UK and international experience as a risk management and finance professional.

Meet Barry
Tim
Global Director - Internal Audit

Tim Beard

Tim joined VisionFund in 2014 as the Global Centre Senior Audit Manager.

Meet Tim
Kai Hutans, Chief Financial Officer (Interim), VisionFund International
Chief Financial Officer (Interim)

Kai Hutans

Kai serves as interim Chief Financial Officer for VisionFund International and is based in Germany.

Meet Kai
Mike Spingler, Regional Head - Asia
Regional Head - Asia

Mike Spingler

Throughout Mike’s tenure at VisionFund, he has served in several leadership roles at both country and regional levels, as well as serving on severa

Meet Mike