World Bank’s New South Asia Chief Will Have $39B Portfolio Under His Watch

COLOMBO (News 1st); The World Bank has appointed Johannes Zutt as the new Vice President for the South Asia Region, effective July 1, 2025, succeeding Martin Raiser.

In his new role, Zutt will oversee the World Bank’s engagement with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, managing a regional portfolio valued at $39 billion, which includes development projects, technical assistance, and financial resources.

Zutt, a Dutch national, brings over two decades of experience at the World Bank, having served in various leadership roles.

Most recently, he was the Country Director for Brazil, and previously held positions as Director for Strategy, Results, Risk and Learning in the Operational Policy and Country Services Vice Presidency. He has also served as Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and several African and European nations.

“I am delighted to see the strong development progress that South Asia has achieved in the 10 years since I last worked in the region,” said Zutt. “I look forward to this new opportunity to contribute and to once again experience the warmth of the region’s people and the richness of its cultures.”

Zutt has a B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Toronto, a Law degree from Harvard University, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Oxford.

He will be based in New Delhi, India, which will serve as the new regional hub for South Asia, aligning with the World Bank’s decentralization strategy to enhance service delivery and client engagement.