Taking on the World (Economic Forum)

Issue 19 | May 2007

Andrew Cohen graduated from Monash University 18 years ago with a Bachelor of Economics and since then has built a solid career in the world of finance.

Mr Cohen's career in the world of international finance appears unstoppable.

The latest success in a long list of accolades for the 39-year-old is his appointment to the Young Global Leaders Forum for 2007.

He joins fellow Australians James Packer and Cathy Freeman in the group, which is a sub-committee of the World Economic Forum.

Mr Cohen is a Managing Director of JP Morgan and is responsible for the private banking business of their customers in the Southern Californian region.

He secured his Los Angeles-based role at JP Morgan two years ago, following a wealth of experience gained at financial institutions around the world - including Berlin, London, Geneva and Israel.

Mr Cohen launched his working career at Merrill Lynch after graduating in 1989.

"I am deeply honoured by the opportunity to be appointed to the Forum and to play such a significant role in shaping our future. I am pleased that my interests and achievements have been recognised and hope I can assist in making a difference," Mr Cohen said.

Mr Cohen believes the years spent at Monash helped expand his horizons.

"During those years, I travelled extensively as a member of the rowing team. I made four trips to Europe and enjoyed an era when we were a powerhouse of success. The Monash experience provided great opportunities domestically, internationally and academically," Mr Cohen said.

The Young Global Leaders Forum was established three years ago with the selection of 250 young leaders from around the world to work in close cooperation with the World Economic Forum.

The selection committee for the Global Leaders forum brings together a 'who's who' of international leaders.

The international group is incredibly diverse, including Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, sumo wrestler Asahoryu Akinor, chief financial officer of Burberry clothing label Stacey Cartwright and President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili.

It is chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan who said the "Forum of Young Global Leaders activates a network of insightful, innovated and energetic young people whose vision and dynamism can usher a future of hope, progress and positive change."

Aspiring future members shouldn't loose heart, a new group of committee members is selected each year from 68 participating countries.