ADB Appoints Leah Gutierrez as New Director General for Central and West Asia Region

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has officially named Leah Gutierrez as the new Director General for its Central and West Asia Department, a key region that includes Pakistan and 10 other member countries. The announcement was made in an official statement by ADB on Monday.

Gutierrez assumes the position immediately, bringing with her more than 40 years of professional experience, including over 25 years with ADB in various strategic leadership roles.

“I am honored to serve in this capacity and eager to collaborate with our member nations and development partners,” said Gutierrez. “Our collective focus remains on inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.”

In her new role, Gutierrez will lead ADB’s development programs in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.

This department plays a pivotal role in implementing major infrastructure, governance, and policy projects in some of Asia’s most strategically significant regions.

Gutierrez’s leadership comes as ADB deepens its financial and technical assistance, especially in Pakistan, where it is considered one of the country’s most vital multilateral partners.

Before her appointment, Gutierrez led ADB’s Sectors Group, overseeing development initiatives related to finance, governance, and human development. She has also served as Director General of the Pacific Department, in addition to holding several top roles in the Strategy, Southeast Asia, and Policy departments.

Gutierrez’s appointment follows recent moves by ADB to scale up its assistance to Pakistan. In June, the bank approved a $1 billion multi-tranche financing facility, alongside an $800 million package aimed at improving fiscal discipline and public financial management.

In October 2024, the ADB appointed Xiaoqin Fan as the new Country Director for Pakistan, further demonstrating its long-term commitment to sustainable growth in the country.

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