FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Juan Jose Dada to its Management Board. Effective May 1, 2026, Dada will assume the role of Co-Chief Investment Officer (Co-CIO), marking a strategic internal promotion for the institution.
In his new capacity, Juan Jose Dada will share the Chief Investment Officer responsibilities with Huib-Jan de Ruijter, working in tandem to steer FMO’s global investment portfolio and contribute to the broader executive Management Board.
Since joining the organization in 2018, Dada, a Costa Rican national, has been a pivotal figure in shaping FMO’s impact-driven agenda. His tenure has been defined by leadership roles across several critical domains:
- Green and Inclusive Finance: Driving initiatives that balance environmental sustainability with social equity.
- Impact Policy: Refining how the institution measures and implements its developmental goals.
- Financial Institutions Portfolio: In his current role as Director for Financial Institutions, he oversees a complex array of financing solutions—including loans, bonds, and guarantees—for banks and financial service providers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Dada brings a unique “triple-threat” perspective to the board, combining experience from the private sector, international development, and non-profit conservation:
- Entrepreneurship & Private Equity: He previously served as CEO of his family business, Dada Textil, and was a partner at a Costa Rican consulting and venture capital firm.
- Multilateral Development: His background includes high-level stints at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he was stationed in Washington, D.C., and Kenya.
- Environmental Stewardship: He also contributed his expertise to The Nature Conservancy, a leading global environmental non-profit.
The appointment was met with strong praise from Rob Becker, Chair of the Supervisory Board, who highlighted Dada’s leadership style:
Juan Jose has shown strong leadership with a distinct human touch and a clear vision for the long-term course of FMO. He is an excellent listener who fosters collaboration and trust. He will bring diversity to the management board in professional experience as well as in personal background.
Dada’s appointment comes at a critical juncture as FMO works toward its 2030 Strategy. His primary focus will be navigating the complexities of sustainable finance in a volatile global economy.
Reflecting on his new role, Dada stated:
I am honoured to join FMO’s management board at a time when sustainable finance is more critical than ever. As someone who grew up in emerging markets, I am proud to bring that perspective to the board. FMO is where I have found the strongest alignment between my personal goals and the institutional vision.
