Matteo Patrone has been appointed new Director for Romania at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and will take over his new role in Bucharest on 1 July 2015. Mr Patrone follows James Hyslop who has returned to London as the new Director for Municipal and Environmental Infrastructure.

Previously, Mr Patrone held the position of EBRD Director for Serbia. Since his appointment in November 2012 the Bank invested in Serbia over €1 billion and over €450 million last year alone. During his tenure the Bank has successfully worked with the authorities and the partner international financial institutions to promote reforms and an attractive business environment.

Prior to joining the EBRD's Equity Team in 2008, Mr Patrone was Managing Director of Finint & Partners, an Italian private equity firm. He is an Italian national and holds an MBA from INSEAD and a mechanical engineering degree cum laude from the University of Genoa.

In his new position as Director for Romania, Mr Patrone will lead EBRD operations in the country focusing on developing capital markets, improving the quality of infrastructure, reducing regional disparities and boosting inclusion as well as enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector.

Mr Patrone said: “I am honoured to take on this new task. Romania is an important country with an increasingly leading role in south-eastern Europe and for the EBRD. I am committed to building on the successful track record of the Bank in the country. Together with the team we will work very hard to help boost Romania’s economy through investment, advice and support for reforms.”

Romania was the sixth country by volume of EBRD investments in 2014, with almost €600 million invested. To date the Bank has invested over €7 billion in the country and has also mobilised more than €14 billion for these ventures from other sources of financing.