CHENNAI, June 10, 2025 — The Global Business Center of the World Bank Group (WBG) was reopened today in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu by Mr. Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the WBG, and Mr. M.K. Stalin, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. They were joined by senior officials from both the state and central governments, and leaders of other global capability centers.
Established in 2001 with a modest team of 70 staff, the Chennai Global Business Center has grown into a strategic global center, employing over 1,500 staff and contractors as of March 2025, serving 189 member countries in over 130 World Bank offices globally. Chennai was chosen by the World Bank Group after a rigorous global search, attracted by its deep talent pool, robust infrastructure, and investor-friendly governance.
“Through Chennai staff’s exemplary commitment and resilience over the past 24 years, the Chennai Global Business Center has grown to support several corporate functions of the World Bank Group. It is a center of operational excellence and innovation for which we are immensely grateful and proud,” said Mr. Zhang.
The modernization of the Taramani facility comes in response to the anticipated growth and provides a state-of-the-art facility with new collaboration zones and advanced digital infrastructure.
"The Chennai Global Business Center plays a pivotal role in supporting the core operations of the World Bank Group. We are committed to supporting climate resilient architecture through LEED Platinum certification, as well as the Center’s energy-efficient utilities, including solar power and rainwater harvesting,” said Auguste Tano Kouame, Country Director for India.
The Center will continue to provide essential corporate services across various domains, including finance, accounting, procurement, administration, knowledge management, treasury, Human Resources, risk management, and information technology.
“The upgraded facility represents more than just an investment in infrastructure," said Sunil Kumar, Center Head of the Chennai Global Business Center. "It signifies our long-term commitment to Chennai, our confidence in the potential of our outstanding staff, and our commitment to fostering a workplace that inspires excellence.”
