Meet COO of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

WHEN/WHERE

February 22, 2011 / Palo Alto CA

WHAT

Meet the First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - the largest single investor in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Mark your calendars and make your plans to come and meet our distinguished speaker from London, Mr. Varel Freeman, COO and the First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). TEC is fortunate to host Mr. Freeman for a keynote address and the Q&A discussion that will follow. Mr. Freeman will discuss the challenges and the benefits of investing in the emerging markets.

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Varel Freeman

COO & First Vice President

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Varel Freeman oversees all banking operations of the EBRD. He chairs the Operations Committee which reviews all investment and loan proposals before consideration by the Board of Directors, and oversees the formulation of the Bank’s strategy to effectively and efficiently promote the transition of the 30 countries where the EBRD invests. Mr. Freeman is also a member of the Executive Committee.

Mr. Freeman has extensive experience in emerging market economies working with both the private and public sector.  He joined EBRD in June 2006 from Baring Private Equity Partners, where he was Managing Partner responsible for Barings’ private equity investments in Latin America and Africa. Previously he was partner at Chase Capital Partners responsible for investments in Latin America.  Before moving to the private sector, Mr. Freeman was responsible for a substantial portfolio of sovereign lending at the World Bank and later at its private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation, was responsible for capital markets investments in Latin America and was Director of the Asia Investment Department.

Mr. Freeman graduated from Princeton University with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Engineering degrees. He also holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

About EBRD:

  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 and became the largest financial investor in its region of operations which stretches from central Europe and the Western Balkans to central Asia. With the ability and willingness to bear risk on behalf of it’s clients, EBRD helps their 29 countries in the region to become open, market economies.
  • EBRD is owned by 61 countries and two intergovernmental institutions(the European Union and the European Investment Bank).
  • EBRD invests mainly in private enterprises, usually together with commercial partners. It provides project financing for the financial sector and the real economy, both new ventures and investments in existing companies. It also works with publicly‑owned companies to support privatisation, the restructuring of state‑owned firms and improvement of municipal services.
  • The EBRD has reacted to the global economic crisis by increasing its planned business volume to €9.1 billion in 2010 – a record level of investment.
  • The EBRD uses a broad range of financing instruments, tailored to specific projects. The main instruments are loans, equity investments, guarantees, local currency financing. The Bank applies sound banking and investment principles in all its operations. The EBRD enjoys an AAA/ Aaa rating from the international rating agencies.

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