New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has appointed Archna Vyas as its India Country Director, the organisation said in an announcement on Tuesday, thus making her the first woman to be in the top position to lead operations in one of its most significant country partnerships.

Vyas will succeed Hari Menon, who has been the India Country Director since 2019, to lead the operations. Menon will move to a global leadership role starting 2026.

As the Gates Foundation Country Director for India, Archna Vyas will oversee the organisation's operations and work in close collaboration with the central and state governments, philanthropists, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Her goal will be to advance the founda...