Irene Arias Hofman, a Spanish national, was appointed CEO of IDB Lab, the IDB Group innovation laboratory, in January 2018. Irene leads a purpose-driven multidisciplinary team that fosters innovation for inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean. Under her direction, the lab uses tools of financing, knowledge, and connections to co-create projects and support entrepreneurship. IDB Lab looks for market-driven solutions able to transform the lives of populations that are vulnerable due to economic, social or environmental factors.
Previously, she developed her career working for more than 20 years with the World Bank Group, specifically with the IFC, the largest international development institution focused on the private sector. There, Irene had investment responsibilities with global reach and also focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. She managed the IFC’s largest portfolio – US$ 16 billion – and annual investment programs of more than US$ 6 billion. Her focus has been on innovation, venture capital, and fintech.
Irene holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Carlos III University in Madrid, an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC, and an M.A. in Advanced European Studies from the College of Europe. She is a CFA® Charterholder.