The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Leah Gutierrez as the new Director General of its Central and West Asia Department, which oversees operations in Pakistan and 10 other countries, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye. Her appointment, effective immediately, comes as ADB strengthens its engagement in the region, with Pakistan remaining a key beneficiary of financial and technical support.
With over 40 years of professional experience—including 25 at ADB—Gutierrez has held leadership roles in finance, public sector governance, and human development. Prior to this role, she served as Director General for ADB’s Sectors Group and led the Pacific Department. In a statement, she emphasized her commitment to inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
ADB has been a critical partner for Pakistan, recently approving a $1 billion multi-tranche financing facility and an $800 million program to enhance fiscal sustainability. In October 2023, the bank also appointed Xiaoqin Fan as its new Country Director for Pakistan, reinforcing its long-term development partnership.
As a leading multilateral institution, ADB focuses on fostering resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Through strategic financing and partnerships, it supports infrastructure, climate resilience, and digital transformation—key priorities for Pakistan and the wider region. Gutierrez’s leadership is expected to further strengthen these efforts.