EBRD Appoints Ekaterina Solovova As Head Of Montenegro To Advance Investment, Energy Security And Economic Reforms

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced the appointment of Ekaterina Solovova as Associate Director and Head of Montenegro, effective from 1 September 2026. She will succeed Remon Zakaria, who is set to assume the position of Head of Armenia.In her new role, Solovova will lead the EBRD’s operations in Montenegro, overseeing investment activities, policy engagement, and support for economic reforms.

She will work closely with government authorities, private-sector stakeholders, and international partners to help advance Montenegro’s development priorities. Her responsibilities will include supporting the country’s green transition, strengthening energy security, enhancing private-sector competitiveness, and contributing to Montenegro’s ongoing efforts to join the European Union.

Solovova brings more than 20 years of experience in development finance and investment management, having held senior roles across international financial institutions and private investment firms. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Soros Private Funds Management, Varde Partners, and the EBRD.

Her background combines extensive investment expertise with a strong track record of leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.She first joined the EBRD in 2004 as a banker in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications team. In 2006, she moved to London to pursue opportunities in the private equity sector, specializing in distressed debt investments and special situations across Europe and the United States.

This experience helped her develop deep expertise in investment strategy, restructuring, and value creation in challenging market conditions.In 2012, Solovova returned to the EBRD as Head of the Volga Federal District, based in Samara. Two years later, she relocated to London, where she held a number of senior leadership positions within the Bank.

Among these were roles as Adviser to the EBRD President and Associate Director in the Private Equity team. During this period, she played a key role in launching the Bank’s first equity investments in the non-performing loans (NPL) sector and represented the EBRD on the boards of several portfolio companies, contributing to their strategic development and governance.A significant milestone in her career came in July 2021, when she was appointed Head of Albania.

During her tenure, the EBRD substantially expanded its activities in the country, investing approximately €900 million across more than 90 projects. These investments supported a diverse range of sectors, including renewable energy, tourism, mining, agribusiness, and financial services. Under her leadership, the Bank also strengthened its position as a key development partner in Albania’s European Union accession process, supporting reforms and investments aimed at aligning the country more closely with EU standards.

Montenegro remains an important market for the EBRD, with strategic priorities focused on sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, private-sector development, and policy reform. As the country continues to advance toward EU membership, the Bank is expected to play a critical role in supporting investments and reforms that drive sustainable economic growth and modernization.

With her extensive experience in development finance, investment management, and regional leadership, Solovova is well positioned to lead the EBRD’s activities in Montenegro. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the Bank’s efforts to deliver impactful projects, support economic reforms, improve energy security, and advance the country’s long-term development and European integration goals.