Ram Rakkappan, Ph.D is a high-level executive with extensive experience in global government affairs, public policy, and regulatory affairs functions. His areas of expertise span across payments, digital ICT, fintech, e-commerce, data & security, capital markets, and foreign trade policy. After earning a PhD in South Asian Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, he has held senior leadership positions in various renowned organizations such as Visa, Moody's Corporation, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group), and South Asia Regional Development Initiative. Throughout his career, Ram has proven to have the ability to develop and execute a genuinely strategic approach to government affairs, navigate through ambiguity, and manage five independent roles. He has a deep understanding of the complex relationships across various entities – including trade associations, political action committees, industry organizations, and public interest groups. He is a trusted source of counsel to policymakers in the region and is passionate about perspectives on Earth, Growth & Development.