The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Ekaterina Solovova Associate Director, Head of Montenegro, with effect from 1 September 2026.

In her new role, Ms Solovova will lead the Bank’s activities in Montenegro, overseeing investment delivery, policy engagement and reform support in the country. She will succeed Remon Zakaria, who will take up the role of Head of Armenia.

As Head of Montenegro, Ms Solovova will work closely with the national authorities, private-sector partners and international stakeholders to support the country’s economic development priorities, including advancing the green transition, strengthening energy security and enhancing private-sector competitiveness, while supporting Montenegro’s EU accession path.

She brings over two decades of experience in development finance and the investment industry, gained through roles at the International Finance Corporation, Soros Private Funds Management, Varde Partners and the EBRD. She also brings substantial leadership expertise in complex, multi stakeholder environments.

Ms Solovova first joined the EBRD in 2004 as a banker in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications team, moving on in 2006 to work in the private equity industry in London, where she specialised in distressed debt investments and special situations in Europe and the United States of America. She re-joined the Bank in 2012 as Head of the Volga Federal District, based in Samara. In 2014 she returned to London and went on to hold a number of senior roles at the Bank, including as Adviser to the President and Associate Director, Private Equity, where she was instrumental in originating the EBRD’s first equity investments in the non-performing loans (NPL) sector and represented the Bank on the boards of investee companies.

In July 2021, Ms Solovova was appointed Head of Albania. Under her leadership, the EBRD invested €900 million in more than 90 projects, significantly expanding support to the private sector in industries including renewable energy, tourism, mining, agribusiness and financial services. During this time, the Bank also strengthened its role as a key development partner in Albania’s European Union (EU) accession process.

Montenegro is an important market for the EBRD, with focus areas including sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, private-sector development and policy reform. As the country progresses on its EU accession path, Ms Solovova’s experience and track record will be particularly valuable in ensuing the delivery of impactful investments and reforms aligned with Montenegro’s long-term development priorities.

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