The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Andrew Jeffries as its new country director for the Philippines, taking charge of a project portfolio worth about USD 13 billion.
Jeffries, who assumed the post on 18 August, will oversee the implementation of ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy for 2024–2029 and lead coordination with the Philippine government, private sector, and development partners.
“The economy is at a critical juncture, with huge infrastructure and social protection investments rolling out and starting to bear fruit,” Jeffries said in a statement. “More needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind and risks such as those related to climate change are mitigated as the country strives toward upper-middle income status.”
He succeeds in the role with more than three decades of experience, including 18 years at the ADB. Most recently, Jeffries served as adviser for energy transition mechanism and partnerships. He also held senior positions as country director for Vietnam, director of the Southeast Asia energy division, and head of energy operations in India and South Asia.
Before joining ADB, Jeffries worked in the private sector, including senior finance roles at Fortis Capital Corp. and GE Capital. He holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bucknell University.
Jeffries said his immediate priority is to support the Philippine government’s development agenda and expand ADB’s efforts to mobilise private capital and expertise.
