WASHINGTON, November 4, 2026— The Boards of Directors of the World Bank Group, which include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), have appointed Woochong Um as Vice President and Director General of the new Independent Accountability Mechanism.
The mechanism combines the World Bank Inspection Panel, the World Bank Dispute Resolution Service, and the IFC/MIGA Compliance Advisor Ombudsman into a single body. The change is intended to make the process simpler and clearer for complainants and to strengthen coherence across the World Bank Group. Mr. Um will report directly to the Boards.
Mr. Um brings extensive leadership experience in international development, governance, safeguards compliance, and accountability. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet. He spent more than 30 years at the Asian Development Bank where he held senior roles, including as Managing Director General.
Mr. Um holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Management from Boston College. He will start in his new role on January 18, 2027.
