The Appointment and Election framework at the Global Development Bank (GDB) outlines how key leadership positions — especially within the Board of Directors and senior management — are filled. These processes ensure balanced representation, continuity of governance, and alignment with the Bank’s development mission.

1. Appointment of the President and Co‑President

President

• The President of GDB is appointed by the Board of Directors.

• This is typically based on a nomination process that considers leadership experience in international finance, development policy, or related fields.

• The President’s term and conditions of service are established by the Board to ensure effective leadership and institutional stability.

Co‑President

• The Co‑President is similarly appointed by the Board.

• The Co‑President supports the President in operational leadership, and may assume key responsibilities when the President is absent or delegating authority.

These appointments are designed to ensure capable, experienced leadership for managing the Bank’s strategic objectives and global engagements.

2. Election of Executive Directors

The Executive Directors are the senior representatives responsible for managing the Bank’s day‑to‑day operations and making decisions related to financing, project approvals, and institutional policies. Their selection follows a formal election process:

• Each of the five largest shareholder countries appoints one Executive Director.

• The remaining Executive Directors are elected by the other member countries.

• These elections usually take place at the Annual Meeting or during specially convened sessions of the Board.

• The term of service for elected Executive Directors, as well as eligibility criteria, is determined by the Bank’s governance rules approved by the Board.

This system balances representation between major shareholders and other member countries to ensure diverse perspectives in operational governance.

3. Term Lengths and Reappointments

• Executive Directors typically serve defined terms, ensuring opportunities for rotation and fresh perspectives.

• The Board may establish limits on the number of terms an Executive Director can serve to promote institutional renewal.

• Reappointment or reelection depends on shareholder support and compliance with governance criteria.

These conventions align with international governance standards in development finance institutions, where structured terms help balance continuity with accountability.

4. Role of Member Countries in Election and Appointment

• Appointing and electing leaders are key responsibilities of member countries, reflecting their ownership and governance role.

• Major shareholders have a direct appointment role, while others participate through electing representatives to the Board.

• This dual approach ensures that both large and smaller members have a voice in leadership decisions.

5. Why These Processes Matter

The appointment and election structure helps ensure that GDB:

• Has capable leadership with the experience to manage complex development finance challenges

• Reflects the interests of both major and smaller member countries

• Maintains high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability

This framework is similar to governance procedures at other global development finance institutions — where leadership positions are filled through a mix of appointment by major funders and election by the broader membership.