FMO has appointed Juan Jose Dada as Co-Chief Investment Officer, effective May 1, 2026. Dada, a Costa Rican national, will serve alongside existing Co-CIO Huib-Jan de Ruijter on the Management Board of the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.
The appointment, announced on January 27, 2026, follows an internal promotion from his current role as Director of Financial Institutions and has received regulatory approval from De Nederlandsche Bank and the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets.
Dada’s elevation strengthens FMO’s executive team at a pivotal moment for sustainable finance, as the institution advances its 2030 strategy focused on mobilising private capital for inclusive and environmentally resilient growth in emerging markets.
Professional Background and Expertise
Juan Jose Dada joined FMO in 2018, where he has led the Financial Institutions department. In this capacity, he oversees financing solutions, including loans, bonds, and guarantees for banks and financial service providers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
His tenure has emphasised green and inclusive finance initiatives, impact policy development, and scalable solutions for underserved segments.
Prior to FMO, Dada served as a partner in a consulting and venture capital equity firm in Costa Rica. He also held the position of CEO at Dada Textil, a family-owned business.
His international experience includes roles at the International Finance Corporation (IFC, part of the World Bank Group) in Washington, D.C., and Kenya, as well as at The Nature Conservancy.
This diverse trajectory spanning private sector entrepreneurship, multilateral development institutions, environmental conservation, and impact-oriented banking equips Dada with a balanced perspective on risk, innovation, and stakeholder alignment in complex emerging market environments.
READ ALSO:How FMO’s R340 Million Funding Strengthens South Africa’s SME Credit Market
Reasons for FMO’s Selection
Rob Becker, Chair of FMO’s Supervisory Board, highlighted key attributes that informed the decision:
- Strong leadership combined with a human-centred approach.
- Clear long-term vision for FMO’s direction.
- Ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics strategically.
- Exceptional listening skills, communication abilities, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust.
- Solid business acumen supported by professional and personal diversity.
These qualities position Dada to contribute effectively to FMO’s mission of enabling entrepreneurs to foster inclusive and sustainable prosperity in over 85 countries.
The appointment brings fresh diversity to the Management Board in terms of professional experience and background, enhancing decision-making in a global development finance context.
Influence on FMO’s 2030 Investment Strategy
Dada’s appointment aligns directly with the execution of FMO’s 2030 strategy, which prioritises scaling sustainable finance amid escalating climate and inclusion challenges.
His background in green finance, inclusive financial systems, and impact measurement will support the institution’s focus on mobilising private capital for high-impact sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and resilient infrastructure.
I am honoured to join FMO’s Management Board and to help execute FMO’s 2030 strategy at a time when sustainable finance is more critical than ever. FMO is where I have found the strongest alignment between my personal goals and the institutional vision, and considering the quality of its people, it is the best platform for me to contribute in the years to come
Juan Jose Dada
His experience in structuring financing for financial intermediaries across multiple regions will likely reinforce FMO’s emphasis on blended finance, catalytic investments, and partnerships that amplify development outcomes.
Future Outlook
Juan Jose Dada’s appointment as Co-Chief Investment Officer reflects FMO’s commitment to leadership that combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and an inclusive approach.
His extensive background in development finance, private sector operations, and impact-focused initiatives positions him to play a pivotal role in executing the institution’s 2030 agenda for sustainable prosperity in emerging markets.
As of February 6, 2026, this transition enhances FMO’s capacity to address pressing global challenges through responsible capital mobilisation.
Shareholders will receive formal notification at the Annual General Meeting on April 22, 2026. For further details, consult official announcements from FMO.
FMO (brief overview)
FMO is the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (full name: Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden), a Netherlands-based development finance institution.
It provides long-term loans, equity, and guarantees to support private sector growth, with a focus on energy, financial institutions, and agribusiness.
FMO Kenya: Active investor supporting banks, SMEs, renewable energy, and inclusive finance initiatives.
FMO portfolio: Multi-billion-euro global portfolio across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, aligned with sustainability and climate goals.
FMO team: International investment and ESG professionals led by a Management Board.
FMO medical / insurance: Not an insurance or healthcare provider; references usually relate to development finance for health or social-impact projects.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
Leave a Reply