Ramesh oversees CDRI’s strategic planning and guides its global programmes, drawing on over 35 years of expertise in operational leadership, policy advocacy, and research across infrastructure and finance. Before joining CDRI, he spent 28 years at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), holding senior roles across the Asia-Pacific.

As Director General and Group Chief of ADB’s Sectors Group, he oversaw seven sectoral portfolios, including energy, water, transport, and social development, and played a key role in implementing the Bank’s climate, private sector, and innovation agendas under its new operating model.  

His leadership shaped ADB’s response to major disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also advancing regional initiatives like the ASEAN Green Finance Hub and ASEAN Infrastructure Fund.

Ramesh brings a systems-thinking approach to resilience and is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and adaptive infrastructure solutions. Holding a Ph.D. in Development Economics, he has worked in more than 25 countries, driving policy reform, regional cooperation, and risk-informed investment.