The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Junkyu Lee as Representative at its North American Representative Office (NARO) in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Lee will strengthen ADB’s partnerships with the United States (US) and Canada, promote business opportunities for the private sector, and expand collaboration with think-tanks, thought leaders, and development partners.
“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,” said Mr. Lee.
A national of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Lee brings over 30 years of experience in strategy, finance, and economics, including 13 years at ADB. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of Finance in ADB’s Sectors Department 3, where he led strategic initiatives on sustainable and transition finance, regional financial cooperation, and financial sector partnerships. He also mobilized funding across Europe and Asia and managed the Financial Sector Development Partnership Special Fund. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Chief of ADB’s Finance Sector Group.
Prior to joining ADB, Mr. Lee served as G20 Advisor and Senior International Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea. When the Republic of Korea hosted the G20, Mr. Lee supported the development of economic and financial recommendations to G20 Finance Ministers on free trade, macroprudential policies, and economic growth and financial stability policies and measures.
Mr. Lee holds a PhD in political economy and public policy from the University of Southern California, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international economics from Seoul National University.
NARO works to raise public awareness in the US and Canada about ADB and the Asia and Pacific region, while mobilizing resources and support from the public and private sectors for ADB operations. It also supports ADB collaboration with multilateral institutions based in North America by sharing development knowledge and experience.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
