The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has appointed Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles as Vice President and Corporate Secretary, effective December 1. Cowper-Coles will oversee AIIB's Corporate Secretariat and Communications departments. He will drive governance functions and guide the Bank's external communications strategy, while supervising the Bank's awareness-building and brand and reputation management.
“Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles has had a long and distinguished career as a diplomat and business leader, always working to support the vital role of trade and business innovation in international relations,” AIIB President Jin Liqun said. “He is an ideal choice to support AIIB in our mission to put capital to work building sustainable infrastructure around the world.”
Bringing more than three decades’ experience in international relations and global finance, Cowper-Coles has a proven track record in fostering cooperation between major economies and navigating complex geopolitical environments.
His diplomatic career included serving as British ambassador to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2010, and, before that, postings in Cairo, Washington and Paris. He also had London-based jobs working as chief of staff to the head of the UK foreign office and, later, to the foreign minister. For the past 12 years he led the HSBC Group’s global Public Affairs function, chaired the bank’s Oman operations, and served as Senior Adviser to the Group Chairman and Chief Executive. From 2019 to 2025 he was Chair of the China-Britain Business Council, working to bridge public- and private-sector interests while promoting international economic cooperation. Before that, he chaired the Saudi-British and Omani-British Business Councils. His extensive network and understanding of global financial issues will help AIIB continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of its members.
Cowper-Coles was knighted for government service by Queen Elizabeth in 2004. He holds a master's degree in classics from Oxford University and an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from Westminster University. He is a British and French citizen.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 111 approved members worldwide, is capitalized at USD100 billion, and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
