Masato Kanda takes office as the new President of ADB
Masato Kanda Assumes Office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank
Bishkek – February 25, 2025: Masato Kanda has officially taken office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa. With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, Mr. Kanda is known for his forward-thinking leadership and decisive interventions during periods of market volatility.
During his time as Japan’s Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Mr. Kanda played a key role in pioneering innovative financial solutions and policy actions that helped stabilize markets. The ADB Board of Governors’ decision to elect Kanda was unanimous, showcasing broad confidence in his ability to lead the ADB during a time of significant change.
Chair of the ADB Board of Governors, Fabio Panetta, expressed his confidence in Kanda’s leadership, stating, “Masato Kanda brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective to ADB. His track record in navigating complex financial challenges and fostering international cooperation make him the ideal leader to guide us as we build upon our strengths and seize emerging opportunities.”
In his acceptance speech, Masato Kanda stated, “I am deeply honored to take on the role of ADB President at this important moment for our region. With the trust of our 69 members and strong support of our dedicated staff, I am committed to advancing ADB’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. Together, we will respond to pressing development challenges, ensuring that ADB remains the partner of choice for the region.”
With Masato Kanda at the helm, the Asian Development Bank looks set to continue its mission of providing impactful solutions for developing member countries and driving sustainable development in the region.
