Manila (TDI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the appointment of Leah Gutierrez as the new Director General of its Central and West Asia Department, which includes oversight of the bank’s engagement with Pakistan and 10 other nations.
Gutierrez officially assumes the role today, according to a statement released by ADB on Monday.
She brings more than 40 years of professional experience, including over 25 years within ADB itself.
“I am honoured to serve in this position,” Gutierrez said. “I look forward to working closely with our member countries and development partners to support inclusive growth, foster regional cooperation, and advance sustainable development.”
Read More: Pakistan Secures $800M ADB Package
Her new role places her in charge of a region covering Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, where the ADB remains one of the country’s most important multilateral development partners.
Gutierrez previously headed ADB’s Sectors Group, where she oversaw projects related to finance, governance, and human development.
She has also served as director general for the Pacific Department, and held various senior roles in the Strategy, Southeast Asia, and Policy departments.
Her appointment comes at a time of deepening ADB involvement in Pakistan’s development agenda.
Read More: Pakistan’s GDP Will Grow by 3% in FY2026, ADB Predicts
In June, the bank approved a $1 billion multi-tranche financing facility, and also greenlit an $800 million program to enhance fiscal discipline and boost public financial management in the country.
Just last October, Xiaoqin Fan was appointed as the ADB’s country director for Pakistan, underscoring the importance the institution places on its work in the region.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
