Robert Bruce Zoellick President of the World Bank Date of Birth: 25.07.1953 Country: USA

1. Biography of Robert Bruce Zoellick
2. Early Career
3. Government Service and International Work
4. Private Sector and Return to Government
5. Presidency of the World Bank

Biography of Robert Bruce Zoellick

Robert Bruce Zoellick is an American economist and diplomat who served as the President of the World Bank from July 1, 2007. He was born on July 25, 1953 in Evergreen Park, Illinois and grew up in Naperville, Illinois.

Early Career

Zoellick graduated from Swarthmore College in 1975 and obtained his law degree and master's degree in public policy from Harvard University in 1981. He started his career as a junior researcher in the Ford administration and later worked as an assistant in the Department of Justice. He also served as a secretary in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

Government Service and International Work

Zoellick held various positions in the US government, including Deputy Secretary of State and US Trade Representative, during the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford. He played a significant role in negotiations such as the reunification of Germany, the creation of NAFTA, and the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations.

Zoellick also worked on policy issues related to the end of the Cold War and peaceful negotiations in Central America. He represented the President as a "sherpa" at the economic summits of the Group of Eight in 1991 and 1992. He collaborated with Condoleezza Rice during Germany's reunification process and later served as her deputy in the State Department.

Private Sector and Return to Government

After leaving government service in 1993, Zoellick worked in the private sector as an executive vice president at the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and as a senior advisor at Goldman Sachs. He was also a member of the advisory board of Enron Corporation.

Zoellick returned to government service in 2001 when he was appointed as the US Trade Representative by President George W. Bush. He held this position until 2005 and led negotiations on China's and Taiwan's accession to the WTO. He also promoted the start of a new round of trade negotiations in Doha and concluded bilateral trade agreements with countries like Singapore, Chile, Australia, and Morocco.

Presidency of the World Bank

In 2007, Zoellick was appointed as the President of the World Bank, succeeding Paul Wolfowitz. During his tenure, he focused on strategic dialogue with China and played a crucial role in resolving the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. Zoellick's efforts led to a ceasefire agreement in Darfur in 2006.

Zoellick resigned from his position as President of the World Bank in 2012. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Distinguished Service Award from the US Department of State and an award from the German government for his efforts in the reunification of Germany. He also holds an honorary doctorate from St. Joseph's College in Indiana.

After leaving the World Bank, Zoellick continued to be involved in various public organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Wildlife Fund.