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

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has designated Leah Gutierrez as the Director General for its Central and West Asia Department.

In her role as Director General, Gutierrez will be responsible for implementing ADB’s strategic plan in the Central and West Asia region.

She will oversee ADB’s interactions with 11 nations, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Her appointment is effective as of July 28.

“I am deeply honored to take on this role and will continue my commitment to working with developing member countries and stakeholders to foster inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development throughout the region,” Gutierrez stated.

Gutierrez brings over four decades of professional experience to the position, with 25 years spent at ADB.

Before this appointment, Gutierrez served as the Director General for ADB’s Sectors Department 3, where she oversaw operations related to finance, human and social development, and public sector management and governance.

She previously held the position of Director General of the Pacific Department and has also held key roles within ADB’s Strategy, Policy, and Partnerships Department; Southeast Asia Department; and Office of the Secretary.

A citizen of the Philippines, she earned a PhD and Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines.