MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

IMF Western Hemisphere director Eyzaguirre resigns; takes CEO job in Chilean television channel

Eyzaguirre was also Chilean Finance minister from 2000 to 2006

IMF western hemisphere director, Chilean national Nicolás Eyzaguirre, resigned to his post Thursday in order to become the CEO of Chilean Canal 13 network. The International Monetary Fund confirmed the news and added that the official will leave his responsibilities immediately.

Eyzaguirre announced his resignation following a meeting he held with IMF managing director Christine Lagarde, who highlighted the fact that Ezaguirre’s tenure coincided with a tumultuous period for the world’s economy, while Latin America remained a stable haven.

Ezaguirre’s vision and high level of experience in economic policies were essential in the FMF’s successful participation in the region during the last three and a half years.”

Eyzaguirre who took up his current IMF post in January 2009 will resign effectively from the end of August.

“Nicolás Eyzaguirre’s tenure coincided with a tumultuous period for the world economy in which the countries of North America were at the centre of the crisis while Latin America was an island of stability. Nicolás’ vision and high-level economic policy making experience were instrumental in the Fund’s successful engagement in the region over the last three and half years. I have appreciated his wise counsel and I know we all wish Nicolás the best in his future endeavours” Ms. Lagarde stated in an official release.

Before joining the IMF staff Eyzaguirre was Chilean Finance Minister between 2000 and 2006. He began his career in politics as a member of the Christina Democrat Party, and then migrated to the Christian Left Party and then to the Communist Party, where he stayed until his departure to the United States. He graduated as a Commercial Engineer with a mention in Economy at the University of Chile, and obtained his Masters degree in Economy at the same university, specializing in economic development.

In Chile Eyzaguirre became acquainted with and befriended Ricardo Lagos, with whom he later joined the Party for Democracy, his current party affiliation.

Between 1984 and 1985 evolved like international and consulting adviser of the International Monetary Fund. Later, between 1985 and 1990, the Caribbean in the Cepal worked like expert in Monetary and Financial Policy for Latin America.

With the return of the democracy, being 1990 and 1997, develops to important functions in the Central bank of Chile, occupying the positions of adviser, manager and director of Studies of this institution.