Singapore, July 1, 2024—IFC today announced the appointment of Vikram Kumar as its new Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Asia and the Pacific. Kumar, who brings more than 20 years of global investment and development expertise to his new role, will drive IFC's strategy to connect more people and businesses in the region to sustainable infrastructure.
In his role, Kumar will lead IFC's Infrastructure and Natural Resources investment team across Asia and the Pacific to develop and implement power, water, telecoms, transport, and other infrastructure projects with public and private-sector partners, expanding the reach of essential services. He will be based in Singapore, where he begins his new role on July 1.
"I am pleased to welcome Vikram to his new role," said Riccardo Puliti, IFC's Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific. "His experience leading transformative projects with our partners globally and in this region will enable him to grow IFC's business and impact in Asia and the Pacific, as we work with partners to finance green and inclusive development across the region."
"This is a crucial time for Asia and the Pacific to expand access to clean energy, to boost digital connectivity, and to make cities more inclusive and resilient as urbanization continues," said Kumar. "I am excited to be back in this region and to work with the team across the World Bank Group to position the region for the future."
An Indian national, Kumar most recently served as IFC's Global Transport Manager, based in Washington, DC. Under his leadership, IFC tripled its investments in the transport sector in the 2023 financial year. Kumar has also held roles overseeing IFC's new business development in Asia and the Pacific and country operations in Thailand, delivering on many innovative first-time projects in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.
He holds Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in Management with specialization in Operations and Finance from the Indian Institute of Management.
IFC currently has an investment portfolio of $3.1 billion across infrastructure and natural resources in Asia and the Pacific and is continuing to grow in key areas including renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and transportation.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
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