Antonella Bassani Becomes World Bank Regional Vice President for Europe and Central Asia

Antonella Bassani is the new Vice President for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, where she will lead the World Bank's strategic, financing, and knowledge work as of today.

Ms. Bassani, an Italian national, served as the World Bank Vice President for Budget, Performance Review and Strategic Planning. She previously served as Director of Strategy and Operations for the World Bank in two regions (the Middle East and North Africa and the East Asia and Pacific) where she provided strategic leadership and support to regional teams in the delivery of strategies, operations, flexible and innovative financing, and knowledge services. Ms. Bassani also served as Director for Resource Mobilization, managing replenishments for the International Development Association, the Bank’s fund for the poorest.

“I am delighted to join the Europe and Central Asia region,” said Ms. Bassani. “From the green transition to energy and food security, I recognize the great challenges our client countries are facing, especially on the heels of the COVID pandemic and amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I look forward to working hand in hand with our government counterparts, our development partners, and World Bank Group staff to address these issues.”