The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Junkyu Lee as Representative at its North American Representative Office (NARO) in Washington, D.C., a role that will focus on deepening ADB’s engagement with the United States and Canada.
In his new position, Mr. Lee will work to strengthen partnerships with governments, promote private sector business opportunities, and expand collaboration with think tanks, thought leaders, and development partners across North America.
“It’s an honor to advance ADB’s strategic engagement with the US and Canada—mobilizing partnerships, innovation, and solutions to build economic and financial resilience in Asia and the Pacific amid rapidly changing global dynamics,” Mr. Lee said.
Extensive experience in finance and international policy
A national of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Lee brings more than 30 years of experience in strategy, finance, and economics, including 13 years with ADB. Most recently, he served as Director of Finance in ADB’s Sectors Department 3, where he led initiatives on sustainable and transition finance, regional financial cooperation, and financial sector partnerships. His role also involved mobilising funding across Europe and Asia and managing the Financial Sector Development Partnership Special Fund.
From 2019 to 2023, Mr. Lee was Chief of ADB’s Finance Sector Group. Prior to joining ADB, he served as G20 Advisor and Senior International Economic Advisor at the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance. During Korea’s hosting of the G20, he supported the development of recommendations to G20 Finance Ministers on free trade, macroprudential policy, economic growth, and financial stability.
Mr. Lee holds a PhD in political economy and public policy from the University of Southern California, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international economics from Seoul National University.
Role of ADB’s North American office
NARO plays a key role in raising awareness of ADB’s work and the development challenges and opportunities in Asia and the Pacific among US and Canadian stakeholders. The office also mobilises public and private sector support for ADB operations and strengthens collaboration with multilateral institutions based in North America through knowledge sharing and partnerships.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1966, it is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region, and works with governments, the private sector, and partners to deliver high-impact development solutions.
