Rachel Kyte

Rachel Kyte is Vice President of Sustainable Development at the World Bank. As such, she has overall responsibilities for the organization's global work in agriculture, the environment, infrastructure, urban development, and social development. She has held the position since September, 2011.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Kyte had been Vice President for Business Advisory Services at the International Finance Corporation since 2008. Working with private sector clients, IFC Advisory Services increase access to finance, improve standards, and transform markets with more sustainable business practices. Working with governments, they help improve the investment climate, especially for small and medium enterprises, and facilitate partnerships with the private sector to provide essential services such as infrastructure.

From 2004, Ms. Kyte served as IFC's Director for Environmental and Social Development, where she led efforts to develop new sustainability performance standards. Through the Equator Principles, these standards are now a global benchmark, demonstrating IFC’s leadership in sustainable business and illustrating that improved environment and social standards can raise financial performance in emerging markets.

Ms Kyte joined IFC in 2000 in the office of IFC's Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman. Prior to joining IFC, she was a member of the management team of the World Conservation Union–IUCN. She has held elected positions in Europe, and founded and led non-government organizations focusing on women, the environment, health, and rights.

Ms. Kyte holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a Bachelor of Arts in politics and history from the University of London.