Press Release No. 06/16

Press Release: IMF Managing Director de Rato Names Masood Ahmed as Director of the External Relations Department

January 25, 2006

Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), today informed the 24-member Executive Board of his intention to name Mr. Masood Ahmed as Director of the IMF's External Relations Department. Mr. Ahmed will succeed Mr. Thomas C. Dawson on May 1, 2006. Mr. Dawson will retire on April 30, after serving as the IMF's External Relations Director for six years (see Press Release No. 99/22).

The External Relations Department is the Fund's strategic center for public communication. It develops and coordinates the Fund's external communications strategy; helps shape the key messages the Fund sends out to the external world; advises Fund management and staff on how best to convey those key messages; and monitors and responds to what those outside the Fund say about the institution's activities.

Mr. Ahmed, a national of Pakistan, holds an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics. Between 1979-2000, he worked for the World Bank in a number of senior positions, including that of Vice President, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Network. He was appointed Deputy Director of the Fund's Policy Development and Review Department in 2000, and is currently on an external assignment at the United Kingdom's Department for International Development as the Director General, Policy and International.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. de Rato said, "Masood Ahmed brings to the position of Director of External Relations extensive experience gained in a range of senior positions in international finance and development. In addition to proven managerial skills, he has a deep understanding of the role of the Fund and of the key policy issues we face. He has an established track record as an effective communicator with key external stakeholders.

"As head of the External Relations Department, Tom Dawson has made a great contribution to the Fund by increasing public understanding and support for the work of the institution. I would like to place on record our gratitude for Tom's commitment and leadership, and his willingness to remain at the Fund until Masood joins us," Mr. de Rato added.