The Board of British International Investment is pleased to announce that it has selected Leslie Maasdorp to be the new Chief Executive of the UK’s development finance institution. Leslie has had a broad career across development finance, climate finance, investment, and wider financial services. Most recently he was Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the New Development Bank (NDB), the multilateral development bank. He is a recognised leader in the field of development and climate finance in emerging markets, having played a key role in the formation and growth of NDB.

Leslie has a deep-rooted knowledge and understanding of the emerging and developing economies on which BII is focused. His experience in development is complemented by a background in financial services as well as in several leadership posts in the Government of South Africa. The selection follows an extensive global search, led by BII’s Board. Leslie will succeed Nick O’Donohoe, who is retiring after over seven years in the post.

BII invests about £1 billion a year in markets across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. It is the UK government’s primary vehicle for delivering climate finance in emerging markets and has investments in nearly 1,600 companies across 65 countries.

Diana Layfield, BII’s Chair said: “The Board and I are delighted to welcome Leslie as the new CEO for BII.  His broad career across financial services and the public sector, and his proven track record of success within international development and climate finance, positions him extremely well to lead BII.  Leslie’s unique perspective and leadership qualities will enable him to build on the great work of our outgoing CEO, Nick O’Donohoe. His lived experience of many of our markets, his values and his deep personal passion for development will be immensely valuable as we continue to respond to the environmental, economic and social needs of our markets.”

Leslie Maasdorp said: “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to join British International Investment at this critical time when development finance institutions continue to evolve and innovate to play a key role in the sustainable development of emerging economies.  I spent time studying in London and I am delighted to return to the city – a key global financial centre at the forefront of development thinking. 

“The private sector is the principal engine of economic growth and prosperity. BII plays a vital role in supporting economies to grow, create jobs and raise living standards in Africa, Asia and beyond. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated professionals at BII, who are deeply committed to this mission to contribute to sustainable development.”

Nick O’Donohoe, BII’s outgoing CEO said: “BII is a unique organisation committed to development and improving lives in some of the world’s most challenging countries. I am delighted to hand over to Leslie who I know will bring great experience, leadership and most importantly the passion for development outcomes that will ensure BII continues to deliver its mission for all its stakeholders and beneficiaries.”

Leslie will join BII later this autumn. His recruitment is subject to Financial Conduct Authority approval.


About Leslie Maasdorp



Leslie has a distinguished career that spans both public and private sectors, culminating most recently with nine years as South Africa’s Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the New Development Bank (NDB), the BRICS development bank which now has eight country shareholders.

He was one of the founding leadership team of NDB and played a key role in its set-up and growth.  As CFO, he led the capital markets activities of the institution, and was responsible for the bank's liquid asset portfolio and managing NDB's credit rating.  He was also a member of the bank’s Investment Committees and was active in many of the bank’s larger project investment structurings and approvals. 

His career began in the trade union movement during apartheid-era South Africa, and he played a central role in restructuring and privatising state-owned enterprises post the democratic elections, including preparing Telkom for its listing on the JSE and NYSE. In the early years of South Africa’s democratic era, he held key roles in the Government of South Africa, including Special Advisor to the Minister of Labour and Deputy Director General of the Department of Public Enterprises.

Over the last 20 years, Leslie has held senior positions at top-tier international financial institutions. Notably, he was the first African appointed as an International Adviser to Goldman Sachs International. He has also served as a Vice-Chairman of Barclays Capital and Absa Capital, and as Managing Director and President of Bank of America Merrill Lynch for Southern Africa.

Leslie holds a BA in Economics and Psychology from the University of the Western Cape and a MSc in Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

About British International Investment
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. As a trusted investment partner to businesses in Africa, South and South-East Asia, and the Caribbean, BII invests to create productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in our markets. Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in 1,580 businesses across 65 countries and total net assets of £8.5 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk |. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn and X.

For further information please contact
Aryan Ghosh: aryan.ghosh@redhill.asia | +91-9832316357