Washington, D.C., July 1, 2026 – The World Bank announced the appointment of Ariel Yépez as Director of the new Andean Countries Division, effective July 1, 2026. In this position, Mr. Yépez will lead the Bank’s operations and strategy in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
An economist and senior executive with more than 25 years of international experience, Mr. Yépez has contributed to shaping economic policy, infrastructure, energy transition, institutional reforms, and sustainable development agendas in several countries in the region. He has held senior leadership positions at the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and the Government of Mexico.
Ariel Yépez succeeds Issam Abousleiman, who led the Andean countries between 2023 and 2026.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (IBRD) active portfolio in the Andean countries amounts to approximately US$9.3 billion, reflecting the Bank’s strong institutional commitment to the region. This support is complemented by World Bank Group operations to strengthen infrastructure, expand access to essential services, promote financial and social inclusion, boost private sector productivity, and support reforms that contribute to more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth.
READ MORE: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/30/ariel-yepez-appointed-world-bank-director-for-bolivia-chile-colombia-ecuador-peru-and-venezuela
