Zoyo Zhao: A trailblazer in international investments and social empowerment
Zoyo Zhao is a dynamic and influential entrepreneur whose work spans across Asia and Africa, bridging the gap between international investments and local communities.
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A woman of Asian descent, Zoyo’s remarkable journey has been characterized by relentless hard work, determination, and a visionary outlook.
Zoyo's educational journey reflects her global mindset.
She pursued her studies in an array of culturally diverse cities across the world, including Beijing, Shanghai, Macau, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Seoul, Bozeman, and Nancy. This extensive educational exposure equipped her with a robust, cosmopolitan perspective and fluency in several languages, including English, Mandarin, Cantonese and French.
Her global education, paired with her linguistic skills, has allowed her to navigate complex international business landscapes with ease.
Her career began at a time when young women from her background were not traditionally expected to pursue ambitious professional careers. Zoyo defied expectations, by launching her career in investment banking and was part of teams that handled large transactions for globally recognized corporations.
Her outstanding performance in this role quickly opened doors to larger opportunities, most notably managing mining and commodity deal sourcing in a joint venture private equity firm between Morgan Stanley and Chinese investors.
Zoyo’s professional impact has been particularly significant in Africa, where she has spearheaded several ventures in countries like Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Libya, Angola, and South Africa.
Her achievements in these regions are fueled by her steadfast belief in the limitless possibilities of success, paired with her sharp business insight. Her ventures span diverse sectors, including financial services, civil construction and manufacturing.
As the Executive Director of Lexicon Holdings, a holdings company she has led since 2012, Zoyo oversees operations that are integral to Africa's infrastructure development. Lexicon’s work extends across multiple sectors, including telecommunications, power generation, construction, and real estate development, with a major presence in Ghana.
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Under her leadership, Lexicon Holdings has played a pivotal role in driving infrastructure projects that have reshaped communities, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Zoyo is also committed to fostering social empowerment.
She has initiated programs to support young individuals, particularly those who have the will but lack the financial resources, to improve their lives. Her efforts reflect her deep-rooted commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the people and communities she works with.
A graduate of Harvard Business School’s prestigious Owner/President Management (OPM) program in 2020, Zoyo Zhao has been a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a global community of influential executives, since 2019.
Her global influence has also caught the attention of major international media, with Zoyo being interviewed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Based in Ghana but with companies in Guyana and Hong Kong, Zoyo continues to break barriers and defy expectations, serving as a role model for women and aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.
Her legacy is one of empowerment, social responsibility, and the unyielding belief in the power of possibility. Through her work, she not only drives economic growth but also paves the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.