Masato Kanda assumes office as new ADB President
In his inaugural statement, President Kanda expressed his deep honor in taking on the role at this pivotal moment for the region.
KATHMANDU: Masato Kanda has officially assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on February 24, 2025.
In his inaugural statement, President Kanda expressed his deep honor in taking on the role at this pivotal moment for the region.
He emphasized his commitment to advancing ADB’s mission of promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth, stating, “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.”
President Kanda succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa, continuing a legacy of excellence and innovation. With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, President Kanda is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and decisive interventions during periods of market volatility.
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.
Fabio Panetta, Chair of the ADB Board of Governors, expressed confidence in President Kanda’s leadership, stating, “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.”
Reflecting on his appointment, President Kanda stated, “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. 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.”
The ADB, established in 1966, is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific.
Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet.
