The World Bank has appointed a new director to manage programs in Ukraine and Moldova

Bob Som has been appointed as the regional director of the World Bank for the countries of Eastern Europe. He will be located in Kyiv and, starting July 1, will manage the affairs of the countries of Eastern Europe. About this reported in a press release.

While working in this position, Som will lead the bank’s cooperation with governments, stakeholders, as well as Ukrainian and Moldovan partners. In addition, he will oversee the implementation and implementation of portfolio and information products, as well as ensure close cooperation of the World Bank with the private sector.

Som succeeds Arup Banerjee, who has served as Regional Director for Eastern Europe since July 2020. A US citizen, Som has been with the World Bank since 1998. Prior to his current position, he was Director of Financial Management and Director of Operational Policy at the World Bank in Washington.

In addition, he contributed to strategic leadership and led teams that supported countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East in the procurement of vaccines as part of projects to combat COVID-19.

In addition, according to the decision of the World Bank, Kevin Tomlinson will hold the position of operations manager for Eastern European countries, who will be located in Kyiv. Prior to that, Tomilson, a US citizen, was the South Asia Practice Leader for Social Sustainability and Inclusion based in New Delhi.

Support of Ukraine by the World Bank

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the World Bank Group has provided significant support to Ukraine. In particular, thanks to the SB initiative, more than 15 million Ukrainians were able to receive support for further business operations. This support also helps the Ukrainian government provide basic services.

The World Bank has helped raise more than $42 billion in emergency financing, including commitments and contributions from donors.