BIZ BUZZ: New ADB chief ready for global turbulence
Masato Kanda, who officially became the 11th president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday, is ready to steer the multilateral lender at a time of complex global economic challenges emanating from rapid-fire tariff actions in the United States.
Kanda replaced Masatsugu Asakawa, a succession that the ADB sees as a continuation of “a legacy of excellence and innovation.”
With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, Kanda is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and his decisive interventions during periods of market volatility.
READ: ADB sets $500-M loan to boost PH labor market
During his tenure as Japan’s vice minister of finance for international affairs, he was instrumental in pioneering innovative financial solutions and orchestrating policy actions that helped stabilize markets.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of ADB president at this important moment for our region,” Kanda said in a statement.
“Together, we will respond to pressing development challenges, ensuring that ADB remains the partner of choice for the region,” he added.—Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Hawkins takes another seat at Bloomberry
After the sudden departure of former Bloomberry Resorts Corp. chief operating officer Thomas Arasi last year, the integrated resort developer has appointed his successor, and you may have heard of him already.
On Monday, Bloomberry, the operator of Solaire Resort and Casino, disclosed to the local bourse that its board of directors had appointed Gregory Francis Hawkins as the company’s acting COO, effective last Friday.
This is the same Hawkins who became acting COO of subsidiary Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. in December 2024 following Arasi’s retirement.
Hawkins oversees the operations of the two Solaires at the two opposite ends of Metro Manila: Entertainment City and North.
Before his appointment (i.e., promotion), Hawkins was chief casino officer at Star Entertainment Group, CEO of Crown Melbourne, president of City of Dreams Macau and CEO of Altira Hotel Macau.
Talk about a thick portfolio! —Meg J. Adonis INQ
