Woochong Um is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), a coalition launched in 2021 to combat energy poverty and the climate crisis through an equitable transition to renewable energy. He leads GEAPP’s mission to unlock sustainable energy solutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, fostering economic progress, resilience, and inclusive prosperity. Under his leadership, GEAPP accelerates clean energy transitions, improving power access for millions worldwide.

With over three decades in international development, Woochong previously served as Managing Director General at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), spearheading global partnerships, innovative funding mechanisms, and climate-focused initiatives. Earlier, as Director General of ADB’s Regional and Sustainable Development Department, he championed private-sector engagement in climate finance and sustainable infrastructure.

In his earlier ADB roles, Woochong managed shareholder relations as Secretary and led major infrastructure projects, including the landmark Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project in Laos, in partnership with the World Bank. Before ADB, he worked in the private sector as a Corporate Information Systems Specialist at Pfizer and Lead Programming Analyst at Pitney Bowes.

A Korean national, Woochong holds an MBA in finance and international business from NYU and a BS in computer science and management from Boston College.