The World Bank has appointed Bob Saum as the Country Director for Eastern Europe, based in Kyiv, effective July 1. In this role, Mr. Saum will oversee the Bank’s programs in Ukraine and Moldova, leading engagement with governments, stakeholders, and partners. He will manage the delivery and implementation of the portfolio and knowledge products while working closely with IFC and MIGA to enhance World Bank's collaboration with the private sector.
“I am looking forward to my new role in supporting Ukraine through this devastating time due to Russia’s invasion,” said Mr. Saum. “I look forward to working with all our partners to support rebuilding Ukraine and strengthening its foundations for the future.”
Bob Saum joined the World Bank in 1998. Prior to his current position, he was the Chief Financial Management Officer and a Director of Operations Policy at the World Bank in Washington, DC. His responsibilities included providing strategic direction and leading teams supporting countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East on vaccine acquisition under a $13 billion COVID-19 portfolio. Additionally, he directed operational engagement with UN agencies involving over $10 billion in financing over six years.
Mr. Saum holds a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in political science from the University of Dayton.
He replaces Arup Banerji who served as Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe since July 2020.
The World Bank also announced Kevin Tomlinson as Operations Manager for Eastern Europe, based in Kyiv. An American national like Mr. Saum, Tomlinson previously held the position of Practice Manager for Social Sustainability and Inclusion in South Asia based in New Delhi. Before joining the World Bank in 2002, he served in the U.S. Navy and holds an MBA from Georgetown University.
The World Bank Group (WBG) has played a crucial role following Russia's invasion of Ukraine by supporting more than 15 million Ukrainians through initiatives that help businesses stay afloat and enable essential government services such as paying wages and keeping schools and hospitals open. The WBG has facilitated over $42 billion in emergency financing including commitments from donors.