Lars Gustavsson - Senior Executive Officer and Vice President for Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs, Collaboration and Business Innovation, is responsible for expanding World Vision's capacity to engage more fully in the broad sectors of International Development, Global Policy, Humanitarianism and Disaster Management.  Lars is also charged with organizing leaders within World Vision for Global Relationships, Collaboration or Partnerships across a range of Transnationals – including the following: other NGOs, UN agencies, Corporations, Foundations, Church, Military, Academia and other Civil Society and Public institutions to enhance World Vision’s presence and impact. Much of this work will be focused primarily in the world’s global and regional capitals where many of these relationships are headquartered.  He also leads World Vision’s functions of Global Accountability and Partnering for Ministry, and as a part of new Business Innovation Lars is responsible for anticipating emerging trends, initiating innovative and strategic measures and product development that better prepare the WVI Partnership for the future.  

 Prior to joining World Vision in 1998, Lars served as international Senior Administrator for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International's Economic Development portfolio and as the organization's liaison specialist for the countries of the former Soviet Union and the French-speaking African nations. During his 12-years tenure with ADRA, Lars gained extensive international experience in child survival, micro-enterprise development, emergency relief, and community development.  He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration, an Associate Degree in Building Engineering, and an Associate Degree in Languages - from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee and a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He is married to a lovely wife who is a Registered Nurse in Labor and Delivery and together they have three children in university. Lars was born and raised in West Africa. He spent most of his early childhood and work experience between Europe and Africa having established his first formal business already at age 13 where he produced furniture and cabinetry for sale. His wife was born in South America and later raised in East Africa and New Mexico. His oldest two children were born and raised in Rwanda. And his youngest in the United States. Lars is from Sweden. His wife is of Danish origin.  Lars spends just as much time managing his personal interests as his formal work and tries to live as balanced a life as possible.  He spends significant time in photography, wood working and cabinetry, off-road dirt-biking, skiing, camping and a range of other outdoor activities.