Ashesi University is very pleased to announce the nomination of Mr. Peter Woicke, former Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (the private sector branch of the World Bank) to the university’s Board of Trustees. With over 30 years of experience in international finance and banking, Mr. Woicke brings a wealth of experience to Ashesi’s leadership team.
Commenting on why he wanted to get more involved with Ashesi Mr. Woicke stated, "During my six years at the World Bank Group I have taken a keen interest in private education, not as a replacement of public education, but definitely complementing public education. When I heard of Ashesi, particularly when I met with Patrick Awuah [Ashesi’s founder], it appeared to me that such a place is needed and deserves to be supported. If Ashesi succeeds, it will set a big example in Africa."
Prior to joining Ashesi’s board, Mr. Woicke served as the Executive Vice President of the International Finance Corporation and a Managing Director of the World Bank from January 1999-2005. Under Mr. Woicke's leadership the IFC underwent a complete change in business model: from a Project Finance House, providing political risk coverage for companies investing in emerging markets, to become a partner of choice for emerging companies in developing countries. Additionally Mr. Woicke guided the IFC in expanding its role as a capital provider in frontier countries and high-impact sectors such as domestic financial markets, infrastructure, information technology, health and education, and small and medium enterprises. After a major reorganization, the IFC expanded the provision of environmental and social know-how, technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses.
Before joining the IFC, Peter Woicke held numerous positions at J.P. Morgan, over a period of 30 years. During his tenure at J.P. Morgan, Mr. Woicke chalked up many accomplishments, including heading the firm’s Oil and Gas Business in London (the most successful financier of North Sea development); establishing J.P. Morgan’s operations in Brazil and leading it to become one of the firm's most important international offices; heading Global Markets, which included all trading activities for J.P. Morgan worldwide; and heading the firm's technology and back office operations, during which time J.P. Morgan was named “The Bank using technology in the most efficient way”. From 1995 through 1998, Mr. Woicke served as Managing Director and Chief Executive of JP Morgan Asia Pacific, a region ranging from Japan, China, India, and South East Asia into Australia. Under his leadership, the firm’s revenue in the region grew from $350 million in 1995 to $750 million in 1997.