Baku: The World Bank has officially announced the appointment of Sacha Backes as its new Country Manager for Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter in the bank's ongoing projects and collaborations within the country. This announcement comes after Stefanie Stallmeister stepped down from the role on July 1, following the completion of her term, which began on July 1, 2023.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Sacha Backes is set to assume his new role in August. Backes brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as the Principal Investment Officer in the Europe Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services team at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. His tenure at IFC spans over 17 years, with significant contributions in the Natural Resources and Infrastructure team across London, Washington, and Johannesburg, primarily focusing on projects in the African region.

Before his extensive career at IFC, Backes dedicated seven years to Lux-Development, the Luxembourg government's development cooperation agency. There, he managed integrated rural development projects in Laos, concentrating on agribusiness and rural infrastructure.

Sacha Backes holds impressive academic credentials, including a PhD in Physics from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from INSEAD Business School, equipping him with a robust foundation for his new responsibilities in Azerbaijan.