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New World Bank chief is confirmed | New World Bank chief is confirmed |
(8 minutes later) | |
The World Bank's executive board has confirmed that Robert Zoellick will become the organisation's new boss. | The World Bank's executive board has confirmed that Robert Zoellick will become the organisation's new boss. |
Mr Zoellick, who was nominated by US President George W Bush, will replace Paul Wolfowitz, who leaves on 30 June. | Mr Zoellick, who was nominated by US President George W Bush, will replace Paul Wolfowitz, who leaves on 30 June. |
Mr Wolfowitz is stepping down after two years in office, following a scandal over his role in winning a pay and promotion package for his partner. | Mr Wolfowitz is stepping down after two years in office, following a scandal over his role in winning a pay and promotion package for his partner. |
A former US deputy secretary of state, Mr Zoellick has most recently worked for investment bank Goldman Sachs. | A former US deputy secretary of state, Mr Zoellick has most recently worked for investment bank Goldman Sachs. |
'Encouraging hope' | |
Under an unwritten agreement, the US chooses the head of the World Bank, while European countries select the leader of its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund. | Under an unwritten agreement, the US chooses the head of the World Bank, while European countries select the leader of its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund. |
Mr Zoellick's nomination was considered by the World Bank's 24-member board of governors on Monday, and he will start work on Sunday, 1 July. | |
Mr Zoellick brings to the bank presidency strong leadership and managerial qualities World Bank statement Challenges facing new boss Choosing a World Bank boss | Mr Zoellick brings to the bank presidency strong leadership and managerial qualities World Bank statement Challenges facing new boss Choosing a World Bank boss |
Mr Zoellick said he was "eager to meet the people who drive the agenda of overcoming poverty in all regions, with particular attention to Africa". | |
He also said he looked forward to advancing social and economic development, investing in growth, and "encouraging hope, opportunity, and dignity". | |
"I know of the staff's passion for this mission. And I respect the staff's proud record, continuing search for learning and improvement, and commitment to results," he added. | |
As deputy secretary of state, Mr Zoellick was chief aide to Condoleezza Rice between February 2005 and June last year. | As deputy secretary of state, Mr Zoellick was chief aide to Condoleezza Rice between February 2005 and June last year. |
He is also an ex-US trade representative. | He is also an ex-US trade representative. |
'Proven track record' | |
The president of the World Bank serves a renewable, five-year term. | The president of the World Bank serves a renewable, five-year term. |
"Mr Zoellick brings to the bank presidency strong leadership and managerial qualities as well as a proven track record in international affairs and the drive required to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the bank," the World Bank board said in a statement. | "Mr Zoellick brings to the bank presidency strong leadership and managerial qualities as well as a proven track record in international affairs and the drive required to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the bank," the World Bank board said in a statement. |
The executive directors also "affirmed the important role of the bank in addressing poverty and economic growth". | The executive directors also "affirmed the important role of the bank in addressing poverty and economic growth". |
Meanwhile, the UK International Development Secretary, Hilary Benn, said: "I would like to offer my congratulations to Bob Zoellick on his appointment. | |
"I look forward to working with him and the bank in the fight against poverty across the world." |