Liberia’s Antoinette Sayeh named as IMF deputy managing director

Liberia’s Antoinette Sayeh has been picked as the deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

The Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva named Sayeh who also served in the past at the World Bank for the top post on Tuesday.

Sayeh once served as director of IMF’s African Department between 2008 and 2016.

Before serving at the IMF’s African department, she served as Liberia’s finance minister from 2006 to 2008.

Before joining President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Cabinet, Sayeh worked for the World Bank Group for 17 years.

Until her latest appointment Sayeh served at the Center for Global Development think tank in Washington.

She also served as the external Co-Chair for the recently concluded 19th Replenishment of the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA19).

The Liberian would serve as one of four deputy managing directors under IMF chief, Georgieva.

In a statement Georgieva said “Antoinette demonstrates a rare combination of institutional leadership, deep analytical capacity, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.”

The appointment is however subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board.

Georgieva added that “I have always been impressed by her genuine care for the well-being of the people we serve and her ability to place them front and center in our efforts.

“I personally have known and worked with her for many years in a wide range of positions that she has held. I look forward to working closely with her again as she joins the management team.”