Horst Reichenbach, a senior German official at the European Commission, has been appointed secretary general of the EBRD.

Reichenbach has served at the European Commission since 1975 and is director general of enterprise and industry. Before this, he spent five years as director general for personnel and administration where he played an important role in the extensive overhaul of the Commission’s internal working practices.

Reichenbach is no stranger to the EBRD’s countries of operations and, over the years, was repeatedly involved in discussions and negotiations on the budgetary and political aspects of enlargement of the EU.

The secretary general of the EBRD is a member of the executive committee and plays a crucial role in working with the president, the board of governors and the board of directors. He fulfils a vital function in the bank’s day-to-day institutional life and promotes its mission to other international institutions and plays an active role in the policy dialogue with the 27 countries of operations.

Reichenbach was selected after a comprehensive international search and will join the bank at the end of August. He replaces Johnny Akerholm, who was appointed president and CEO of the Nordic Investment Bank in January 2005.