Linda Van Gelder has become the new World Bank Regional Director for the Western Balkans, having assumed this position, based in Vienna, on July 2017.
This position sees Ms. Van Gelder assume responsibility for leading the dialogue on economic reform with the six countries of the Western Balkans, developing the World Bank’s country strategies, managing the World Bank’s portfolio, coordinating with partners, and engaging in outreach on economic growth and poverty reduction in the Western Balkans.
Prior to taking on this post, she served as the Director of Strategy and Operations for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions Practice Group, covering the Macroeconomic and Fiscal Management, Finance and Markets, Trade and Competitiveness, Poverty and Equity, and Governance Global Practices.
Ms. Van Gelder, who has a PhD in Economics from Cornell University, joined the World Bank in 1994. Her regional and country work has ranged across economic management, governance, and poverty reduction issues.
She has also held several corporate positions, including leading the development of the first World Bank Group strategy (2013) and as Director for Operational Policy and Quality.