Parminder Vir

Biography

Parminder is a story teller who has devoted her working life to a passionate pursuit of presenting the truth from places that are not recognised or seen. She takes a vision and makes it a reality through sound strategy development. She intuitively sees the threads of opportunity and brings them together into a coherent whole.

Currently, as CEO at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s leading philanthropic organisation based in Lagos, Nigeria, she oversees the strategic development and implementation of its key programmes. She joined the Foundation in April 2014 to help design, develop and implement one of the most ambitious entrepreneurship programmes on the continent - the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor, and fund 10,000 entrepreneurs from across the continent. Under her leadership, the Foundation has cemented its role as principal advocate for African entrepreneurs both on the continent and globally and empowered thousands on their path to economic and social transformation.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Parminder has enjoyed a distinguished career as an awarding winning film and television producer; private equity investor in film and media, and founder of three successful media and consultancy companies. She has served as a Board Director on UK India Business Council, Department for Culture Media and Sports, the UK Film Council, and The Indus Entrepreneurs UK. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the Broadcasting and Film industry in 2002.