Leslie Maasdorp Named CEO of British International Investment, Paving the Way for Future Growth

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s leading development finance institution, has announced the appointment of South African finance expert Leslie Maasdorp as its new Chief Executive Officer. Maasdorp, who previously served as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the New Development Bank (NDB), steps into the role following the retirement of Nick O’Donohoe after seven years at the helm.

Maasdorp brings with him a wealth of experience from his time at the NDB, a multilateral institution established by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—in 2015. The NDB, based in Shanghai, was founded to provide an alternative to Western-led financial institutions such as the World Bank, with a focus on supporting development initiatives within BRICS nations and other emerging economies. Under Maasdorp’s tenure, the NDB expanded its membership to include countries like Bangladesh, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates and plans to lend $5 billion in 2024.

Founded in 1948 and fully owned by the British government, BII has a strong focus on fostering sustainable investments in developing regions. With annual investments of approximately £1 billion ($1.3 billion) across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, BII plays a crucial role in driving economic development, creating jobs, and addressing key social challenges in these regions.

Maasdorp’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for BII, as the organization seeks to expand its influence and drive impactful change through strategic investments. His deep understanding of multilateral finance, combined with his experience in emerging markets, positions him well to lead BII’s efforts in supporting sustainable development across some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

With Maasdorp at the helm, BII is expected to strengthen its commitment to driving inclusive growth and tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and infrastructure development. His leadership is anticipated to enhance BII’s role in fostering strong partnerships with governments and private sector entities, reinforcing the institution’s mission to be a driving force in the evolving landscape of global development finance.