Yesim Elhan-Kayalar

Advisor, Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department

Yesim Elhan-Kayalar has over 29 years of work experience in development agencies, private sector, and academia in 27 countries. She has worked at regional, national and local levels to create long-term development solutions with private sector and beneficiary participation in education, energy, finance, public management, transport, and water sectors. As Country Director for Georgia, Elhan-Kayalar oversaw ADB’s operations in the country, led Georgia Country Partnership Strategy for 2019-2023 and innovative regional development initiatives for the Caucasus during 2015-2019. She develops policy and knowledge solutions for high impact development assistance in Asia and the Pacific in her current role. Elhan-Kayalar has a PhD in economics from University of California. She has published and taught in the fields of economics, finance, and led research on behavioral finance and competitiveness policy.