WASHINGTON, Jul. 30, 2024-World Bank Group President Ajay Banga today announced the appointment of Sangbu Kim as the World Bank's first Vice President for Digital Transformation.
"Digital technologies, including AI and data, present a unique opportunity to accelerate development," said Ajay Banga. "The new Digital Transformation vice presidency will have the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. Sangbu's mix of public and private sector experience gives him unique perspective on how the World Bank Group can deliver more impact, greater scale, and support countries on their development journey."
The new role will guide World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy, build and enhance digital and data infrastructure, ensure cybersecurity and data privacy for institutions, businesses, and citizens, and advance digital government services.
Over the past 27 years, Sangbu Kim has held senior positions in the office of the President, Republic of Korea, where he developed national ICT plans encompassing e-government, broadband network expansion, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and trade policy; in the Korean Communications Commission; and the Ministry of Information and Communication. More recently, he worked at Google as the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Consumer Products in the Asia Pacific region. Earlier, he played a pivotal role at Korean telecommunications operator LG Uplus as Vice President for Corporate Strategy, Investment and Partnerships.
Sangbu Kim, a South Korean national, holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Seoul National University.
