The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously elected Masato Kanda as ADB’s 11th President.Kanda, 59, currently serves as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
He will assume office on 24 February 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, who will leave office on 23 February 2025. Kanda will complete the unexpired term of President Asakawa, which ends on 23 November 2026.
“Mr. Kanda’s extensive experience in international finance and proven leadership in multilateral settings will serve ADB well in navigating complex global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation,” said Chair of the ADB Board of Governors and Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta. “The ADB Board of Governors looks forward to working with Kanda.”
With nearly 4 decades of experience, Kanda has held key leadership roles at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, including Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs.
He has extensive experience in financial sector policy and macro-fiscal policy, having served as Deputy Commissioner at the Financial Services Agency, Deputy Director-General of the Budget Bureau, and Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Planning and Coordination.
