The Asian Development Bank (ADB), a leading banking firm based in the Philippines, has announced the appointments of Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice President of Market Solutions and Scott Morris as VP of East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. 

Assuming his role, Dasgupta will oversee the Private Sector Operations Department and the Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnerships. Meanwhile, Morris will take over the responsibility for the East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Pacific departments of the bank.

With over 35 years of experience in the BFSI sector across nations, including the Asia-Pacific region. Dasgupta was the CEO and MD of ICICI Lombard India before his appointment. He led the company to become the first listed general insurance company in India. ADB stated, "His leadership expertise encompasses project finance, corporate banking and treasury, e-commerce, international banking, and insurance. He also led the establishment of international operations in 14 countries through branches, subsidiaries, or representative offices."

In his new role, Morris brings over 25 years of expertise in international economic policymaking and research. Before his appointment, he served as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development (CGD), where he directed the Development Policy Program and Sustainable Development Finance Program. He co-directed Multilateral Development Banking in 2015 and authored the independent evaluation of ADB's Asian Development Fund merger in 2014. Furthermore, his expertise includes multilateral and bilateral development finance, including concessional finance for low-income and climate-vulnerable nations. He previously served the US Treasury as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Development Finance and Debt, collaborating with senior government officials in the APAC region and NGOs.

The banking firm has also appointed Lesley Bearman Lahm as Country Director for Georgia, effective from September 21, 2023. She will strengthen the bank’s relationships with the government, development partners, and other stakeholders. ADB stated, 'Among her top priorities will be supervising the preparation of ADB’s new country partnership strategy for Georgia, 2024–2028, which will continue to support the country's progress towards inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable growth.'

Lahm, who joined the bank in 2002, has over 30 years of extensive experience. In her role in Georgia, her focus will be on key development priorities, including fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty, enhancing regional connectivity, and improving public service delivery.

Assuming her new role, Lahm said, “It’s an honour to assume my new position as ADB’s Country Director for Georgia and build upon the bank’s strong and enduring partnership with the country. ADB will continue to support transformative investments in a range of sectors and priority reforms to advance Georgia’s ambitious development agenda.”