After a lengthy wait, alumnus Sunil Sabharwal will finally get a chance to put his skills to work in a role that he calls a “true honor.”

Sabharwal (BSBA ’88) was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as President Barack Obama’s nominee to become Alternate Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund. Sabharwal, an investor and advisor in international venture capital and private equity markets, was originally nominated for the post in April 2014. He becomes the first Indian-American to hold a key administrative position at the IMF.

“It is a true honor to serve in a leadership position at an organization so vital to the global economy,” Sabharwal said. “I would like to thank President Obama for this opportunity and for his support in considering me for this position. I look forward to helping the IMF continue its mission of promoting financial stability and monetary cooperation around the world.”

Sunil Sabharwal talks with Fisher students as part of the Cullman Luncheon Speaker Series. Sabharwal was named alternate executive director of the International Monetary Fund.

Sabharwal’s journey to the IMF began at the College of Business. He first came to Ohio State after his family sought political asylum from communist Hungary in 1983. He was sponsored by Fisher professor David Cole and his wife, Edie, and the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Having won Big Ten titles in fencing, Sabharwal was named the 1988 recipient of the Pace Setter award for the top undergraduate scholar-athlete award.

Sunil Sabharwal accepts the 2014 Global Business Excellence Award at the Fisher College of Business Alumni Awards ceremony.

His interest in international finance began shortly after graduating with honors from Fisher with a degree in marketing and a minor in international business. He was named a 2014 recipient of the college's Global Business Excellence Award. He remains active as an alumnus, returning to campus to share his insights with Fisher students and hosting alumni events in Washington, D.C.

“Every day I am grateful for the education and opportunities that my business education from The Ohio State University has provided,” Sabharwal said. “Without that experience, I wouldn’t be where I am at today.”