IFC Appoints New Country Manager for the Philippines

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Manila, Philippines, December 3, 2020—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has appointed Jean-Marc Arbogast as the new Country Manager for the Philippines. Based in Manila, he will play a critical role in building IFC's portfolio, developing new investment and advisory opportunities and enhancing IFC's impact in the country. 

The Philippines has one of the most vibrant economies in the Asia Pacific region, supported by strong domestic demand and a young, tech-savvy population with rising disposable income. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has dimmed the nation's growth prospects. Timely measures are therefore important to cushion against health and economic shocks and support the country's most vulnerable people.

Announcing his appointment, Vivek Pathak, IFC's Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific said, "Jean-Marc brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role that will help IFC to optimize opportunities and mobilize the private sector to deliver impactful investments in the Philippines. Under his leadership, we are confident of creating new markets and opportunities where they are needed most, especially in these challenging times."

A French national, Jean-Marc most recently served as the Adviser to IFC's Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Resources, where he helped formulate and articulate IFC's strategic priorities while aligning resources to deliver on IFC's agenda. Prior to that, Jean-Marc was a Senior Investment Officer in IFC's Infrastructure and Natural Resources team, where he led the origination and execution of transactions in the sector globally. 

Before joining IFC in 2012, Jean-Marc worked as an investment banker at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York, advising industrial and agribusiness companies globally on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. He holds an MBA from Yale University and a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from ENSICA, a French engineering school. 

Commenting on his new role, Jean-Marc said, "The COVID-19 pandemic has already taken a heavy toll on households and businesses in the Philippines. IFC's priority is to help drive a sustainable and inclusive recovery in the country. I look forward to engaging with the government, the private sector, and all relevant stakeholders to revitalize the key sectors that can drive economic growth and create jobs." 

Since 1962, IFC has invested more than $3 billion to support over 100 private sector companies in the Philippines. IFC's strategic priorities in the country include reducing the impacts of climate change, deepening financial inclusion, promoting sustainable infrastructure and strengthening the capacity of the private sector. This will better support the Philippines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and help drive inclusive growth during the country's eventual recovery. 

About IFC
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.  

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