Cécile Fruman has been named World Bank Country Director for Brazil, taking over from Johannes Zutt after three years in the role, the institution announced in a press release.

Based in Brasília, Fruman will coordinate the Bank’s engagement with government agencies, civil society, private sector stakeholders and development partners.

She will oversee the implementation of Brazil’s Country Partnership Framework, managing a portfolio of 49 projects worth $7.8bn and a pipeline of 16 operations valued at $3.8bn.

The portfolio covers fiscal sustainability, social inclusion, climate resilience, and innovation. Fruman will also work closely with other World Bank Group entities, including the International Finance Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

A French national with more than 25 years in international development, Fruman joined the World Bank in 1998 through the Young Professionals Program. She most recently served as Director for Regional Integration and Engagement in South Asia, managing cross-border collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Previous roles include overseeing $6bn annually in Financial Intermediary Funds, directing the Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice with a $5bn portfolio, and leading initiatives in microfinance, infrastructure, climate, public-private partnerships, health and education.

Fruman holds an MBA from ESCP Europe and studied at the University of Osaka.