ADB Appoints Leah Gutierrez as Director General for Central and West Asia
MANILA: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has officially appointed Leah Gutierrez as the new Director General for its Central and West Asia Department, effective immediately.
Overseeing 11 Key Countries, Including Pakistan
In her expanded leadership role, Gutierrez will manage ADB’s operations and strategic planning across 11 countries, including:
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Pakistan
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Afghanistan
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Armenia
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Azerbaijan
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Georgia
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Kazakhstan
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Kyrgyz Republic
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Tajikistan
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Türkiye
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Turkmenistan
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Uzbekistan
Her role is crucial in guiding economic growth, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation within these nations.
40 Years of Expertise in Development and Finance
Gutierrez brings a wealth of experience, boasting over four decades in development and finance, including 25 years at ADB. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director General of ADB’s Sectors Department 3, where she led initiatives in:
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Finance
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Social Development
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Governance Reforms
She holds a PhD and Master’s in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines.
ADB’s Focus on Pakistan and Regional Growth
Recently, ADB revised Pakistan’s FY2025 growth forecast to 2.7%, pointing to improved industrial and service sector performance. The Bank continues to play a critical role in supporting infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic stability across Asia.
Founded in 1966, ADB today includes 69 member countries, with 50 from the Asia-Pacific region.
