India

 

E. Vijay Jacobs took over the reins of ECLOF India in January this year. He faces the challenging task of increasing the take up of microfinance in India in order to bring about economic and social improvement for many poor people. Vijay Jacobs, who is a member of Indiranagar Methodist Church in Bangalore, aims to help ECLOF India create jobs through the growth and expansion of small businesses, which will lead to an increase in family incomes. The new director is particularly interested in helping to improve the quality of life of special groups such as women and the physically disabled, and to enhance business skills in poor communities. With his prime focus being on people, and with a passion for community development and enabling people to become results orientated, Vijay is known for mobilising committed action from the people with whom he works

Having qualified as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India 30 years ago, Vijay Jacobs's career spans a wide range of management roles, with over 14 years as the head of finance for a major satellite communication company that operates throughout India. Before joining ECLOF India, Vijay was a partner in a Bangalore firm of chartered accountants. He also has an interest in community issues, and is a former chairperson and current member of an emergency and grief counselling organization.