ADB appoints new director general for Central and West Asia Department

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Leah Gutierrez as Director General for its Central and West Asia Department, Report informs, citing the bank.

As Director General, Gutierrez will deliver ADB's strategic agenda in the Central and West Asia region. She will lead ADB’s engagement with 11 countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Her appointment takes effect today, the ADB said.

“I am honored to serve in this position and will continue to engage with developing member countries and stakeholders to promote inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development across the region,” said Gutierrez.

Azerbaijan has been a member of the ADB since 1999. The bank has provided over $5 billion in loans to the country, including $1.5 billion for transport projects and $1.7 billion for energy projects.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.