Published: July 6, 2010
Three vice presidents unveiled for start of fiscal year.
The World Bank has celebrated a record lending year by strengthening its operations through the appointment of three new vice presidents (VPs).
In its last financial year the institution committed more than US$72bn and will start its next fiscal period with new vice presidents for sustainable development, operations policy and external affairs.
Inger Andersen becomes VP of sustainable development while Joachim von Amsberg takes on operations policy and country services, with Caroline Anstey responsible for external affairs.
Andersen moves into her new role from her previous position as the sustainable network’s sector director for Africa. She joined the bank in 2001 and her other roles have included water and urban development in Africa and director for water, agriculture and social development in the Middle East and North Africa.
World Bank president Robert B. Zoellick says Inger’s track record, ability to manage across different topics and her reach across regions “will help us build on a very strong sustainable development network”.
Von Amsberg joined the World Bank in 1993 and has worked in several areas, including lead economist and sector leader for Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as country director for the Philippines.
Zoellick says von Amsberg’s knowledge and experience will be “critical” as the bank moves to implement its internal reform agenda.
Anstey has been World Bank Group chief of staff since 2007. Prior to that her roles included country director for the Caribbean and speechwriter and assistant to former President James D. Wolfensohn.
Zoellick explains that Anstey brings a rare combination of strategic, communications, media and political economy skills. “She will now bring her operational and leadership experience and excellence to the challenges we face of opening the bank to the world and better serving all our clients.”