BRASILIA, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 – Cécile Fruman has been appointed World Bank Country Director for Brazil in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Based in Brasília, Ms Fruman will lead the Bank’s engagement with government counterparts, civil society, the private sector, and development partners with the aim of supporting the country’s efforts to achieve higher productivity and jobs, promote the inclusion of poor and disadvantaged population, and foster a greener economy that is less vulnerable to climate shocks.
Ms. Fruman will oversee the implementation of the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework in Brazil and guide a portfolio of 49 projects, totalling USD 7.8 billion, and a pipeline of additional 16 operations (USD 3.8 billion). Activities in the country include support for fiscal sustainability, social inclusion, climate resilience, and innovation, among other topics. Ms Fruman will also work in close coordination with other institutions of the World Bank Group, like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). She succeeds Johannes Zutt, who held the position for the last three years.
A French national with over 25 years in international development, Ms. Fruman joined the World Bank in 1998 through the Young Professionals Program and has since held senior regional and global roles. Most recently Director for Regional Integration and Engagement in South Asia, she led cross-border collaboration and strategic partnerships. Previously, as Senior Manager for Financial Intermediary Funds and Partner Relations in the Development Finance Vice Presidency, she oversaw funds disbursing about $6 billion annually and coordinated partner engagement. Earlier, as Director of the World Bank Group Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, a joint initiative with the International Finance Corporation, she led a $5 billion lending portfolio and extensive advisory, analytical, and trust-funded programs.
Her background includes new business development across climate change, infrastructure, public-private partnerships, health and education, and competition policy. She began in microfinance and small and medium enterprise development, including four years running a rural microfinance institution in Mali and work on “Sustainable Banking with the Poor” global study, and has contributed to programs in higher education, community-driven development, and poverty reduction. She holds a Master of Business Administration from ESCP Europe and studied at the University of Osaka.
