World Bank Group appoints new unified representative in Azerbaijan

Sacha Akira Backes has been appointed the World Bank Group’s unified representative in Azerbaijan, a source within the organization said, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Backes was initially expected to take over as the World Bank’s country manager in Azerbaijan on July 1, 2026, replacing Stefanie Stallmeister, who had led the country office since July 1, 2023.

However, following the World Bank Group’s decision to adopt a unified representative model, Backes will also assume the responsibilities of country manager for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Azerbaijan, the source said.

“Initially, it was planned that S. Backes would take over as the World Bank’s country manager in Azerbaijan on July 1, 2026, replacing Stefanie Stallmeister, who had headed the office since July 1, 2023. However, following the decision to transition to a unified World Bank Group representative model, it was decided to also assign S. Backes the responsibilities of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) country manager. S. Backes will assume the position in the near future,” the source explained.

Backes has been with the IFC for nearly 19 years.

By Vafa Guliyeva