Michel Camdessus | |
|---|---|
 Camdessus in 2012 | |
| Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund | |
| In office 16 January 1987 – 14 February 2000 | |
| Preceded by | Jacques de Larosière |
| Succeeded by | Horst Köhler |
| Governor of the Banque de France | |
| In office 14 November 1984 – 16 January 1987 | |
| Preceded by | Renaud de La Genière |
| Succeeded by | Jacques de Larosière |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1933-05-01)1 May 1933 (age 92) Bayonne, France |
| Alma mater | University of Paris |
| Profession | Economist |
Michel Camdessus (born 1 May 1933) is a French economist who served as the seventh managing director of theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1987 to 2000, making him the longest-serving in that position. Prior to his tenure at the IMF, he served as theGovernor of the Banque de France from 1984 to 1987, after a brief term as Deputy Governor from August to November 1984 when elevated to the top position.
One notable events during his tenure at the IMF was the1997 East Asian financial crisis. His role during the crisis has drawn criticism, for not paying attention to the unique circumstances of the East Asian countries and blindly imposing the measures that were followed inMexico, leading to considerable turmoil and rioting in countries such as Indonesia.[1]
Born inBayonne, France, Mr. Camdessus studied at theUniversity of Paris and earned postgraduate degrees in economics from theInstitut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in Paris andÉcole nationale d'administration.
Camdessus is currently the president of the social initiativeSemaines sociales de France [fr] (French social weeks), a social initiative, and a member of the Commission for Africa established byTony Blair. He is also a member of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace.
Additionally, Camdessus is a member of theAfrica Progress Panel (APP), a group of ten distinguished individuals who advocate at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa. As part of this Panel, he contributes to coalition-building, leverage and broker knowledge sharing, and influencing policies for lasting change in Africa.
He is also a member of the board of directors of theFondation Chirac's,[2] founded by former French presidentJacques Chirac in 2008 to promote world peace. Camdessus participates in the jury for the Conflict Prevention Prize[3] awarded every year by this foundation, and in the scientific committee of its Water and Sanitation program.
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Renaud de La Genière | Governor of the Banque de France 1984–1987 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Head of theInternational Monetary Fund 1987–2000 | Succeeded by |
