Paschal Donohoe Named Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer

World Bank Group announces new leadership role to strengthen global development outcomes

The World Bank Group has appointed Paschal Donohoe as its new Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, a position he will assume on 24 November 2025. The appointment, announced on 18 November, brings a senior European policymaker with public and private sector experience into the Bank’s leadership structure. The move supports the institution’s objective of improving knowledge-sharing systems and evidence-based policy solutions worldwide.

Mission and Objective
The position is intended to lead the “Knowledge Bank” framework—an initiative aimed at systematising global expertise into practical, scalable development models. Donohoe will oversee programmes that connect policymakers, research institutions and development partners with sector-specific solutions, enabling faster response to global economic and social challenges.

His appointment also targets deeper collaboration between governments, philanthropies and civil society, encouraging innovation through data integration, technology adoption and strengthened governance capacity in developing economies.

Current Status
Donohoe will formally take charge on 24 November 2025. No leadership transition delays have been reported. The World Bank has stated that early priorities will include knowledge system restructuring, digital integration and enhancement of policy advisory services across member nations.

Technical Details — Role Overview

• Position: Managing Director & Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO)

• Appointed: 18 November 2025

• Assumes charge: 24 November 2025

• Key Focus: Knowledge management, innovation, policy advisory

• Institution Head: World Bank President — Ajay Banga

Roadmap — Next Priorities

• Strengthen global knowledge-sharing architecture — Knowledge Bank Team

• Expand public-private development cooperation — World Bank Partnerships Division

• Integrate digital learning & advisory platforms — Technology & Innovation Wing

• Scale evidence-based policy frameworks — Global Practice Units

Exam-Oriented Key Points

• Paschal Donohoe appointed MD & CKO of World Bank Group

• Former Eurogroup President; Irish Minister for Finance

• Assumes office 24 November 2025

• To lead “Knowledge Bank” and global policy advisory systems

• Focus on innovation, capacity-building and scalable solutions