Founding CEO of EMPEA Built Robust Global Network and Led Development of Market Intelligence; VP of Industry and External Affairs Jennifer Choi to be Named Interim CEO

9 January 2013, Washington, D.C. – The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sarah Alexander will step down to join EMPEA member the Abraaj Group as a Managing Director, effective in February. EMPEA’s Executive Committee has initiated a global executive search to permanently fill the CEO position, and has recommended to the Board of Directors that at its January 17th meeting in Hong Kong it name Jennifer Choi, EMPEA’s current Vice President of Industry and External Affairs, as interim CEO effective February 1st.

Jeffrey Leonard, Chairman of EMPEA’s Board of Directors and President and CEO of Global Environment Fund (GEF) said, “During Sarah’s tenure with EMPEA, the organization has expanded its membership dramatically, and developed outstanding research and programs highlighting the vital role of private equity in developing economies. Today, EMPEA is in sound financial condition, and its programs are vibrant and expanding, thanks to Sarah’s leadership over the past 8 years. With more than 300 member firms representing nearly 60 countries, EMPEA is well-positioned as the premier global network representing the interests of middle-market, private growth capital investors in emerging markets.”

Sarah Alexander presided over the inception and growth of EMPEA, which opened its doors in 2004. Today, EMPEA’s membership represents more than US$1 trillion in assets under management. EMPEA’s rigorous analysis, industry surveys, reports and proprietary statistics are viewed as the industry standard for emerging markets market intelligence. EMPEA’s conferences convening GPs, LPs, and policymakers have also become essential industry events.

Alexander said, “As I leave EMPEA after eight years of proud service, I am more confident than ever in the resilience of the emerging markets asset class, and in the value that EMPEA delivers.  I am grateful to EMPEA’s members for their collaboration and commitment as EMPEA has evolved into an integral industry organization over the past eight years.  I look forward to remaining an active participant in the EMPEA network and supporting the organization’s continued growth from my new role at the Abraaj Group.

“I am confident that Jennifer Choi’s passion and deep knowledge of the asset class, as well as her diverse experience with EMPEA in key positions – as EMPEA’s first research director, a key architect of EMPEA’s research portfolio, and current Vice President of industry and external affairs – will provide continuity throughout this period of transition for EMPEA.”

Jennifer Choi has a distinguished career in the field of private equity. As EMPEA’s Vice President of Industry and External Affairs, Choi manages EMPEA’s member and industry engagement initiatives, institutional partnerships, global collaboration efforts, and communications with the media and general public. Choi previously served as EMPEA’s first research director, developing and building EMPEA’s content portfolio and led the creation of the industry’s first global database of private equity activity in emerging markets. Prior to EMPEA, Choi was a consultant with Boston-based Stax Inc. Choi holds a Masters in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a B.A. summa cum laude in Economics and Political Science from Augustana College.

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About the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association

The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA) is an independent, global membership association whose mission is to catalyze private equity and venture capital investment in emerging markets around the world. Our 300-plus member firms share in the belief that private equity can provide superior returns to investors while creating significant value for companies, economies and communities in emerging markets. With access to an unparalleled global network, EMPEA provides its members a competitive edge for raising funds, making good investments and managing exits to achieve superior returns.