Washington: Indian American Ajay Banga on Friday took over as the president of the World Bank, making him the first person of colour to head either of the two global financial institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
On May 3, the Executive Directors of the World Bank selected Banga, 63, as the 14th president of the World Bank for a five-year term.
In February, President Joe Biden announced that the US would nominate Banga to lead the World Bank.
“Join us in welcoming Ajay Banga as the new president of the World Bank Group. We are committed to creating a world free from poverty on a livable planet,” the World Bank said in a tweet with a picture of Banga entering the bank headquarters here on Friday.
“I wish Ajay Banga all the best as he takes up his new role as president of the World Bank today. I look forward to continuing the deep partnership between our institutions to do good and help those most in need,” IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said.
Banga has become the first-ever Indian-American to head the World Bank. He replaces David Malpass, who announced his decision to step down in February.
Banga most recently served as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic. Previously, he was president and CEO of Mastercard, a global organisation with nearly 24,000 employees.
Under his leadership, MasterCard launched the Center for Inclusive Growth, which advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world.
He was the Honorary Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman from
2020-2022.