Dustdar takes over from Francisco de Paula Coelho, who retired after holding the position for six years. She is the first ever woman to land the role. 

With 28 years of experience in the financial sector under her belt, Dustdar prior to her promotion led the EIB's Innovation Finance Advisory Division. 

In a press release published on 28 June, the new director of the institute says: "I look forward to stepping up the Institute's work on innovation, climate and development in the European Union and beyond, and to further strengthening our relationship with our host country Luxembourg, including building on the success of the 'Social Innovation Tournament', the EIB Summer University and the Arts Development Programme."

Finance minister Yuriko Backes (DP) commented on the news, congratulating the Luxembourg national on her position.

The EIB Institute--based in Luxembourg--was launched in 2012 by the EIB and the European Investment Fund to promote and support projects of an academic, social or cultural value with stakeholders and the wider public in Europe.