The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has appointed Jan Fischer as its new vice-president of operational policies.

Fishcer is currently the prime minister of the Czech Republic, and moves to his new role in September 2010.

At EBRD, Fischer will have overall responsibility for the formulation and delivery of the bank’s policies regarding the environment and sustainability sectors, as well as coordinating the preparation of the EBRD’s investment strategies in each of its countries of operation.

Furthermore, the role sees Fischer covering procurement matters, as well as the official co-financing unit, ethical funding units and the bank’s political advisory function.

Thomas Mirow, president of the EBRD, remarks: “Jan Fischer will make an excellent addition to the management team at the EBRD. His experience as a successful and popular prime minister of a country with long-standing links to the EBRD means he is certain to make a particularly strong contribution.”

Before becoming the prime minister of the Czech Republic in April 2009, Fischer spent six years as president at the Czech Statistical Office.

Fischer will replace Brigita Schmögnerova, as Mirow adds: “I would also like to thank Brigita Schmögnerova for her tireless dedication to the mandate of the bank. Her commitment especially to the bank’s sustainability agenda and her leadership in driving the EBRD’s campaign to highlight gender issues took the bank to a new level.”