The RIINVEST Institute board of directors appointed Alban Hashani as executive director at a recent meeting.

Hashani replaces Lumir Abdixhiku, who resigned at the same meeting to pursue political activities, according to a press release.

The board thanked Abdixhiku for his contributions at the Institute and expressed its confidence in Hashani. Prior to his appointment to the executive director position, Hashani was RIINVEST Institute's research director. He holds a doctorate in economics, which he received in the United Kingdom.

The board said that the organization will continue to promote economic development as an independent think-tank. RIINVEST Institute is dedicated to advancing a philosophy of entrepreneurship and the board wished Hashani success in his leadership of those efforts, according to the release.