Shang-Jin Wei, a professor of finance and economics at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business located in New York City, started work today as Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Wei will serve as ADB’s spokesperson on economic issues and head its Economics and Research Department, which leads policy research on development challenges facing Asia and the Pacific; works closely with the international research community; and produces the Asian Development Outlook and Key Indicators, ADB’s flagship publications on economic forecasts and trends in the region.

“ADB is the region’s premier development partner and I am excited to lead its economics team,” Mr. Wei said. “I look forward to working with governments and academia across the region and beyond on research that will contribute to the continued growth and development of Asia and the Pacific.”

Wei, born in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and a national of the United States (US), has a long and distinguished career in academia and international finance and trade. Before joining ADB he was the N.T. Wang Chair and Director of the Chazen Institute of International Business at Columbia University, Director of the (US) National Bureau of Economic Research’s working group on the PRC economy, and a research fellow at the Center for Economic Policy Research (Europe).

Prior to Columbia University, Wei was an Assistant Director and Chief of Division at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) where he led the Fund’s policy research and advised on issues in international trade, investment, globalization, and related topics. He was IMF Chief of Mission to Myanmar in 2004.

Wei served as an advisor on anti-corruption policy and research at the World Bank from 1999 to 2000. He was an assistant and associate professor at Harvard University from 1992 to 1999.

Wei earned a PhD in Economics and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of California, Berkeley. He also holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in World Economy from Fudan University in the PRC.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including cofinancing of $6.6 billion.