Max Bankole Jarrett has over 35 years of professional experience in the fields of broadcast media and communication, and international policy affairs. He is a respected provider of strategic advisory services at the highest levels, including to senior political leaders and private sector CEOs. In 2017 he served as the final Director-in-charge of the Geneva-based Africa Progress Panel, chaired by the Nobel Laureate and former UN Secretary - General, Kofi Annan. From 2014 to 2016, he served as the Deputy Director of the APP. He began his career as a current affairs broadcaster with the BBC World Service in London in 1990 working on the BBC's flagship programmes for its African audience: Focus on Africa and Network Africa. In 2001 he transitioned to the policy world to work as a speechwriter, communication team leader and senior programme management officer in the United Nations system (for 17 years). After serving as Director of Strategy and Delivery in the Office of the President of the African Development Bank from July 2023 to July. 2025 he was appointed Divisional Manager, Editorial, Media Relations of the African Development Bank Group effective 1 August 2025. Max received his BSc. (Hons) in Economics in 1990 from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and his M.A in African Studies (Specialism: The Political Economy of Africa) in 1996, from London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies.