ADB president to resign in January 2020

Takehiko Nakao announced on Tuesday his resignation as president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), effective Jan. 16, 2020, the Manila-based bank said in a statement.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao [File photo: EPA via IC/Mark R. Cristino]

"I am announcing my resignation with a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude. With support from staff, Board members, and member governments, we have achieved many things," Nakao said in his remarks to the bank staff and Board members.

Nakao, a Japanese who assumed office as president of the bank on April 28, 2013, did not state the reason for his resignation.

"Although my term remains as I was reelected on Nov. 24, 2016 for the 5-year term, I feel this is a good time to ask someone with fresh ideas and a strong commitment to development to succeed me. I announce my resignation now so that the institution can have a smooth transition of presidential administrations," Nakao added.

According to the statement, the election for the new president of ADB will be in accordance with the open, transparent and merit-based procedure.

Established in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is owned by 68 members and 49 members are from the Asia-Pacific region.