As the week winds down, I have some exciting news to share: in a few weeks, I will be leaving World Resources Institute (NextBillion's parent organization) to take a full-time position with the Acumen Fund, a NextBillion ally and major player in the BoP movement.

I am excited to be moving to New York and to be working with Acumen, an organization I have long admired.? I will be working on Acumen's Portfolio Strategies team, researching and writing about the Fund's investments, strategy and other activities.? As I get acquainted with my new job (I start March 3), I will be sure to post updates here on NextBillion.This brings me to some other exciting news: though I am leaving WRI's employment, I will remain the Co-Managing Editor of NextBillion.net.? That's right: Co-Managing Editor.? I am pleased to announce that Derek Newberry, a long-time Staff Writer and Research Analyst with New Ventures, has been named NextBillion.net's new Co-Managing Editor.

Derek and I will be working in the coming months to extend the depth and scope of our BoP coverage, with the goal of taking NextBillion.net to the 'next level'.? We are glad to have a cadre of talented Staff Writers working with us on this goal, and we are in the early stages of a site re-development and re-design plan.

We'll have more updates in the coming weeks and months.? In the mean time, please join me in congratulating Derek on his new role.? If you have questions about these changes or anything else related to NextBillion.net, please post a comment below or contact us directly.

Have a good weekend...