World Bank names new Head for MIGA

The World Bank Group has appointed Keiko Honda, a Japanese national, to head its Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

The World Bank hired Ms Honda from McKinsey and Co where she was a Director.

“I am very pleased to have Keiko lead MIGA, where I am confident that she will continue to promote the important role MIGA plays in bringing in more foreign investments into the least served countries,” World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said in a statement March 27, 2013.

Keiko will also be an Executive Vice President of the World Bank Group.

According to Dr Kim, Ms Keiko has extensive experience within global organizations—both private and public sector—where she gained a reputation as a leader in banking, corporate finance, and private equity.

Honda has also served on a number of Japanese government committees including the Council of Regulatory Reform for Prime Minister Koizumi and several earlier administrations.

She holds a BA from Ochanomizu University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Keiko’s term begins after current MIGA Head, Izumi Kobayashi, ends her term in June 2013.

The World Bank President thanked Izumi Kobayashi for her contribution to the Group.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our current MIGA Executive Vice President Izumi Kobayashi for her immense contributions and many achievements during her tenure,” Dr Kim said.

Kobayashi joined MIGA in November 2008.

By Ekow Quandzie