Tbilisi: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Tomas Kairys as the new Director, Head of Caucasus, with his tenure set to begin on September 1, 2026. Kairys will be based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and will oversee the EBRD's operations throughout the Caucasus region.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Kairys, a Lithuanian national, joined the EBRD in 2006 from the private sector, initially serving as Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel in London. His career with the EBRD saw a significant development between 2011 and 2015 when he was stationed in Istanbul. During this period, he was instrumental in establishing the Bank's first legal presence in Trkiye, which enriched his regional experience.

In his recent role since 2022, Kairys has been leading the EBRD's operations in the Baltic states as Regional Head and Head of the Vilnius Resident Office. Under his leadership, the Baltic states experienced four consecutive years of record investment. The Bank invested £1.9 billion during this time, with a focus on innovative private-sector transactions, which helped the region navigate geopolitical uncertainties while reinforcing the local team.

Kairys is recognized for his strong transactional and policy experience, comprehensive knowledge of the Bank's products, and an ability to lead across various markets and cultural contexts. He will be succeeding Alkis Drakinos, who is set to retire in September 2026 after a notable career with the Bank.