World Bank appoints new Country Director for Maldives region

Jun 20, 2024, 8:44 AM
David Sislen is the new Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. -- Photo: World Bank

David Sislen is the new Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. -- Photo: World Bank

The World Bank has announced the appointment of David Sislen as the new Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Sislen will take over from July 1, the World Bank said in a statement, adding that Faris Hadad-Zervos, who currently holds the position, will move to a different position at the bank.

Sislen, who holds US and Italian passports, joined the World Bank in 2001 as an economist in the bank's urban cluster unit. He has since held operational and managerial positions with the World Bank in various regions.

His most recent assignment is as Practice Manager for Urban, Disaster Risk Management and Land in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, based in Washington DC.

In a message following his appointment, Sislen said he would meet with stakeholders and partners soon.

"My key priority will be to lead the strategic dialogue to shape and implement operational engagements in line with the Bank’s focus on speed, scale, and impact, working closely with the Government, development partners, and diverse stakeholders," Sislen said.

Sislen will oversee the World Bank portfolio in Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka of around USD 4.8 billion.

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