United States, July 1 -- The World Bank announced the appointment of Ariel Yepez as Director of the new Andean Countries Division, effective July 1, 2026. In this position, Mr. Yepez will lead the Bank's operations and strategy in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.An economist and senior executive with more than 25 years of international experience, Mr. Yepez has contributed to shaping economic policy, infrastructure, energy transition, institutional reforms, and sustainable development agendas in several countries in the region. He has held senior leadership positions at the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and the Government of Mexico.Ariel Yepez succeeds Issam Abousleiman, who led the Andean cou...