March 28, 2024

I.M.F. Seeks New Chief by June 30

Shakour Shaalan, head of the board, said in a statement Friday that the board would accept nominations to the position until June 10 and then narrow the candidates to a list of three for final consideration.

The board is seeking a successor to Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who resigned this week after being charged with sexually assaulting a maid at a New York Hotel.

A Turkish official considered one of the leading contenders, Kemal Dervis, who was the country’s economy minister in 2001 and 2002, took himself out of the running for the position on Friday. “Speculation about succession at the I.M.F. has included me in the group of persons with relevant experience,” he said in a statement. “But I have not been, and will not be, a candidate.”

Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said Friday the United States wanted the post filled quickly and would support a candidate who could command broad support.

In the past, selection of a managing director, which is made by the 24 representatives of the I.M.F.’s shareholder countries, has taken months.

This time, nations like Brazil and China want a more open process that could see an official from an emerging market be appointed to the position for the first time. The job is considered one of the most prestigious among multinational institutions.

In Europe, however, politicians continued to press their case for the post to go again to a European, as has been the convention since the fund was founded 65 years ago. Christine Lagarde, the French finance minister, is emerging as the most likely European candidate.

The I.M.F. said that Mr. Strauss-Kahn would receive a separation payment of $250,000, but that his pension payments would be limited.

Article source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/21/business/21fund.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Speak Your Mind