The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 11th president, Masato Kanda, has officially assumed office as of yesterday, February 24.
Kanda succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa, who served ADB as president since 2020.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of ADB President at this important moment for our region,” Kanda said in a statement Monday.
“With the trust of our 69 members and strong support of our dedicated staff, I am committed to advancing ADB’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. Together, we will respond to pressing development challenges, ensuring that ADB remains the partner of choice for the region,” he added.
With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, Kanda is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and his decisive interventions during periods of market volatility, the ADB said.
During his tenure as Japan’s vice-minister of finance for international affairs,Kanda was instrumental in pioneering innovative financial solutions and orchestrating policy actions that helped stabilize markets, it added.
