Kevin Tomlinson is New Operations Manager for Eastern Europe
KYIV, July 01, 2024 — The World Bank has appointed Bob Saum as the World Bank Country Director for Eastern Europe, based in Kyiv, overseeing the Bank’s programs in Ukraine and Moldova, effective July 1. In this position, Mr. Saum will lead the Bank’s engagement with the governments, stakeholders, and partners in these countries. He will oversee the delivery and implementation of the portfolio and knowledge products, and work closely with IFC and MIGA to strengthen World Bank engagement with the private sector.
“I am looking forward to my new role in supporting Ukraine through this devastating time due to Russia’s invasion,” said Mr. Saum. “I look forward to working with all our partners to support rebuilding Ukraine and strengthening its foundations for the future.”
Bob Saum, an American national, joined the World Bank in 1998. Before assuming his current position, Mr. Saum was the Chief Financial Management Officer and a Director of Operations Policy at the World Bank in Washington, DC. He provided strategic direction and led teams supporting countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East on the acquisition of vaccines in implementation of the $13 billion COVID-19 portfolio. Also, he directed the operational engagement with UN agencies with over $10 billion in financing over the past six years.
Mr. Saum holds a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in political science from the University of Dayton.
Mr. Saum replaces Arup Banerji who served as Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe from July 2020.
The World Bank is also pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Tomlinson as Operations Manager for Eastern Europe, based in Kyiv. Kevin Tomlinson, an American national, previously held the position of Practice Manager for Social Sustainability and Inclusion in the South Asia region, based in New Delhi. Before joining the World Bank in 2002, Kevin served in the U.S. Navy. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University.
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The World Bank Group (WBG) has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine following Russia's invasion, with more than 15 million Ukrainians benefitting from WBG initiatives that are helping businesses to stay afloat and enabling the Government of Ukraine to provide essential services, pay wages, keep schools and hospitals open, and make critical repairs. The WBG has facilitated more than $42 billion in emergency financing, including commitments and pledges from donors.
