MANILA, PHILIPPINES (5 February 2026) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Junkyu Lee as Representative at its North American Representative Office (NARO) in Washington, D.C. The appointment aims to strengthen ADB’s partnerships with the United States and Canada, promote private sector business opportunities, and expand collaboration with think tanks, development partners, and thought leaders.
“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. Before his appointment, he served as Director of Finance in ADB’s Sectors Department 3, leading 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 was Chief of ADB’s Finance Sector Group.
Prior to joining ADB, Mr. Lee was G20 Advisor and Senior International Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea. During Korea’s G20 presidency, he contributed to economic and financial recommendations to G20 Finance Ministers on free trade, macroprudential policies, and strategies for economic growth and financial stability.
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 raises public awareness in the US and Canada about ADB’s work in the Asia-Pacific region, mobilizes resources and support from public and private sectors, and facilitates collaboration with multilateral institutions in North America.
Founded in 1966, ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region, ADB leverages innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build infrastructure, and safeguard the environment.