The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Takeo Konishi as the new Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD), entrusting him with the task of shaping and executing strategic initiatives within the region. Konishi officially began his role on December 11. Alongside his position as Director General, he will also hold the concurrent role of Country Director for India, a position he has been in since September 2020. During his tenure in India, Konishi significantly contributed to achieving the country's program and operational goals. Notably, he led the development of the 2023-2027 country partnership strategy and cultivated stronger partnerships across various government levels.
Under Konishi's guidance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) played a significant role as a crucial international collaborator within India's G20 Presidency, actively contributing to key Sherpa and finance track working groups. Konishi expressed satisfaction in the strategic inputs provided by these groups, supported by ADB, which influenced the shaping of the G20 Leaders' Declaration. He looks forward to leading ADB's South Asia team, fostering ongoing discussions on critical issues such as climate change, urban development, energy transition, the intersection of climate and health, and the empowerment of women.
Konishi, a Japanese citizen, earned a master's degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States and completed his bachelor's degree in political science at Lynchburg College, US. With more than 27 years of professional experience, including 24 years at ADB, he has steadily advanced through various senior positions since starting as a Young Professional in August 1999. Before his role in India, Konishi served as the Director of the Public Management, Financial Sector and Trade Division within SARD. He also held the position of Country Director for Uzbekistan, overseeing ADB's team in the management of corporate and country-level strategies and operations.