AKIPRESS.COM - Masato Kanda officially assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today.

Mr. Kanda succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa. With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, Mr. 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, he was instrumental in pioneering innovative financial solutions and orchestrating policy actions that helped stabilize markets.

“Masato Kanda brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective to ADB. His proven track record in navigating complex financial challenges and fostering international cooperation makes him the ideal leader to guide us as we build upon our strengths and seize emerging opportunities,” said Chair of the ADB Board of Governors Fabio Panetta. “I am confident that under his leadership, ADB will deliver targeted and impactful solutions for our developing member countries.”

“I am ready to harness the collective expertise within our organization and work closely with our partners to drive transformative change, especially for those most in need,” Mr. Kanda added, reflecting on his appointment. “Our focus will be on pragmatic actions that deliver real results, ensuring that our support creates lasting improvements in the lives of people throughout Asia and the Pacific.”