Former Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) President and CEO Robert L. Culver has joined Watertown-based Sasaki, an international planning and design firm, as a managing director.

The company said in a news release that Culver will work closely with Sasaki firm leaders on issues of strategy, marketing and business development. Culver’s addition will further the firm’s ability to serve academic, urban and commercial clients, Sasaki added.

 "We are thrilled to have Bob join our team," Sasaki Managing Principal James Miner said. "Because of his background, he brings us a greater understanding of our clients’ issues, needs, and resources. This knowledge will allow us to increase the range and depth of services we can provide our clients. Additionally, the Sasaki senior leadership team will greatly benefit from Bob’s presence and his engagement on issues of firm management."

Along with his work at MassDevelopment, Culver has served as vice president for finance and administration at Yale University; chief financial officer for Cabot Corp.; treasurer of Northeastern; and a consulting partner at Coopers & Lybrand dealing primarily with higher education and healthcare clients.

Culver holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.