Press Release No. 08/96

Press Release No. 08/96

Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced today his intention to appoint Mr. Anoop Singh as Director of the Asia Pacific Department, Mr. Masood Ahmed as Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, and Mr. Barry Potter as Director of the Office of Internal Audit.

"There are a number of appointments that are in train at the Director-level as part of the Fund's ongoing refocusing effort. It is my intention to fill these senior positions as quickly as possible," the Managing Director said. "Given the skills needed by the Fund and its membership, some of positions can be filled internally. Today I am announcing my initial actions in this regard."

There will be a period of transition before the new director appointments become effective, with the exact timing to be decided at a later date.

• Mr. Singh, an Indian national, who is currently Director of the IMF's Western Hemisphere Department, will succeed Mr. David Burton.

• Mr. Ahmed, a Pakistani national, who is currently Director of the External Relations Department, will succeed Mr. Mohsin Khan.

• Mr. Potter, a U.K. national, is currently Special Representative to the United Nations, a position he has held since last year. Prior to that, Mr. Potter was Director of the Office of Budget and Planning at the IMF. He will succeed Mr. Bert Keuppens.

For additional biographical information on Mr. Singh see:

http://www.imf.org/external/np/bio/eng/as.htm

For additional biographical information on Mr. Ahmed see:

http://www.imf.org/external/np/bio/eng/ma.htm