Kanda takes up office – New ADB president committed to advance mission - Voice of Asia

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as its new President. Mr. Kanda officially assumed office at the end of last month, becoming the 11th President of the ADB.

Mr. Kanda succeeds former President Masatsugu Asakawa, who left office on February 23 this year. Mr. Kanda brings approximately four decades of extensive experience in international finance and development policy, and is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and decisive interventions during periods of market volatility.

According to the ADB, during his tenure as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kanda played a pivotal role in pioneering innovative financial solutions and orchestrating policy actions that helped stabilize markets.

ADB Board of Governors Chairperson Fabio Panetta stated, "Masato Kanda brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the ADB. His proven track record in navigating complex financial challenges and fostering international cooperation makes him the ideal leader to build on our strengths and seize emerging opportunities. I am confident that under his leadership, the ADB will deliver targeted and impactful solutions for our developing member countries."

Mr. Kanda stated that he is honored to assume the role of ADB President at this critical juncture for the region. He said that with the trust of its 69 members and the support of its dedicated staff, he is committed to advancing the ADB's mission of promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. "Together, we will address pressing development challenges, ensuring that the ADB remains the region's preferred partner," Mr. Kanda said. "I stand ready to harness the collective expertise within our organization and work closely with our partners to drive transformative change, particularly for those most in need."

"Our focus will be on taking pragmatic actions to achieve tangible results, ensuring that our support leads to lasting improvements in the lives of people across Asia and the Pacific." The ADB stated that Mr. Kanda's appointment underscores the ADB's continued evolution and its commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of its developing member countries. As the ADB enters a new phase of strategic growth, the ADB stated that Mr. Kanda's leadership will build upon the ADB's strong legacy while also enabling it to address future challenges and opportunities. The decision to elect Mr. Kanda was unanimous, reflecting widespread confidence in his ability to lead the ADB during a time of significant change. "His extensive background in managing complex economic policies, along with his practical experience in multilateral environments, will be invaluable as the ADB continues to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape."

The Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development bank committed to supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth in Asia and the Pacific. The ADB works with its members and partners to address complex challenges, leveraging innovative financial instruments and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and protect the planet.