New IMF chief to be selected soon

Washington, Jan 21: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday kicked off the selection process for its next managing director to replace Christine Lagarde, whose term expires in July.

According to an IMF announcement, the fund will receive nominations from January 21 to February 10, and then its 24-member Executive Board will select three candidates from them, Xinhua news agency reported.

The IMF board is expected to complete the selection process by March 3, and the new managing director’s term will begin on July 5.

Lagarde said last year that she was open to serving a second term. No challengers have expressed running intention as yet.

Lagarde, a former French finance minister, took over as head of the IMF in 2011. She is the first woman to lead the Washington-based institution.  (IANS)

Christine LagardeFrench finance ministerinternational monetary fundManaging Director