The Philippines, ADB’s host country and among its biggest aid recipients, has an active loan and grant portfolio of about $13 billion. Jeffries will be responsible for carrying out the Country Partnership Strategy 2024–2029 while strengthening the bank’s engagement with the government, private sector, and development partners.
Big picture
Jeffries, who has been with ADB for more than 18 years, takes on the role at a time when Manila is accelerating investments in infrastructure, climate resilience, and social protection.
“I am delighted to be back working in the Philippines, a country which the majority of us in ADB call home,” Jeffries said.
“The economy is at a critical juncture, with huge infrastructure and social protection investments rolling out and starting to bear fruit. More needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind and risks such as those related to climate are mitigated as the country strives toward upper-middle income status,” he added.
His priorities
Jeffries said his immediate focus will be to ensure ADB fully supports the Philippine government’s development agenda.
“I am also excited to grow ADB’s support to mobilize private capital and expertise as an important part of our overall assistance,” he said.
Experience snapshot
Previous role: Advisor for energy transition mechanism and partnerships, leading a regionwide push for clean energy.
ADB leadership: Country director for Viet Nam (2020–2023); Director of Southeast Asia Energy Division (2016–2020); Head of India energy operations (2013–2016).
Private sector: Former Senior VP at Fortis Capital Corp. and VP at GE Capital’s Global Energy Division.
Education: Holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bucknell University.
The bottom line
Jeffries’ appointment signals continuity in ADB’s strategy while also emphasizing greater climate and private sector collaboration, areas where he has extensive experience.
As ADB marks nearly six decades since its founding, Jeffries is tasked with ensuring that the bank’s work in its host country continues to deliver inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
