Michel Camdessus

Michel Camdessus (born 1 May 1933) is a French economist who served as the seventh managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1987 to 2000, the longest serving in that position. He previously served as the Governor of the Banque de France from 1984 to 1987. Before that, he briefly served as deputy governor of the Banque de France from August until November 1984 when elevated to the top position. Among the most important events of his tenure at IMF was 1997 East Asian financial crisis. His role has been criticized for not paying attention to the unique circumstances of the East Asian countries and blindly imposing the measures that were followed in Mexico, leading to considerable turmoil and rioting in countries such as Indonesia. Born in Bayonne, France, Mr. Camdessus was educated at the University of Paris and earned postgraduate degrees in economics at Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in Paris and École nationale d'administration. He is currently president of the social initiative (French social weeks) and is a member of the Commission for Africa established by Tony Blair. He is also a member of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace.