ADB appoints Andrew Jeffries as new country director for the Philippines

Andrew Jeffries has been appointed as the new Country Director for the Philippines by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), effective August 18, 2025.

He takes the helm of the bank's $13-billion active portfolio in its host country and succeeds Pavit Ramachandran.

Jeffries brings over 34 years of professional experience, including more than 18 years with ADB, and previously served as ADB country director for Vietnam and Advisor for Energy Transition Mechanism and Partnerships.

He will lead ADB's operations in the Philippines and oversee the implementation of the bank's Country Partnership Strategy for 2024-2029, which focuses on economic growth, quality infrastructure, and disaster resilience.

Jeffries stated that the Philippine economy is at a critical juncture with significant investments rolling out, but more needs to be done to ensure no one is left behind and climate risks are mitigated.

He will prioritize helping the Philippine government with its development agenda and managing ADB's relationships with local partners.