Member States Approve Nomination of New Deputy Directors General
Geneva, June 1, 2001
Press Releases PR/2001/272
A key decision-making body of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved this week proposals by Director General Dr. Kamil Idris to appoint two new Deputy Directors General (DDG) and extend the mandates of two current Deputy Directors General and two Assistant Directors General (ADG). The Coordination Committee expressed consensus support for the nominations of Ambassador Philippe Petit (France) and Ambassador Rita Hayes (United States of America) to the posts of Deputy Director General, as well as to extend the mandates of Mr. Roberto Castelo (Brazil) and Mr. Shozo Uemura (Japan). The Committee, which is composed of 72 of WIPOs 177 member states, also extended the terms of Mr. Francis Gurry (Australia) and Mr. Geoffrey Yu (Singapore) as Assistant Directors General.
In presenting the nominations to the Coordination Committee, the Director General said the proposals were in line with the vision for WIPO as a truly global body, not just a legislative authority or one that simply provides services for global protection systems for intellectual property rights but an organization that is deeply involved in policy and strategy development for economic growth and wealth creation in all nations. Dr. Idris said the nominees possessed extensive experience in policy and development issues. Colleagues who are proposed for extension would ensure continuity and the highest standards of efficiency, competence and intelligence. On the other hand, both of the newly proposed persons have extensive and intensive experience in policy and development matters - I would like to underline policy and development. This Organization has embarked upon many successful initiatives and projects with serious policy and strategic implications and I am confident that this new addition would further promote greater demystification of intellectual property issues and greater international consensus, Dr. Idris said.
Dr. Idris paid tribute to outgoing DDG, Mr. François Curchod (Switzerland/France) and ADG, Mr. Thomas Keefer (Canada). He lauded their dedication and professionalism and described them as model international civil servants. The Committee joined in paying tribute to the outgoing officials.
Delegates expressed support for the Director Generals proposals. They commended the Director Generals leadership and congratulated him on the nominations. Many welcomed the addition of a woman to WIPOs most senior management team. Only one country expressed reservations about the reclassfication of an ADG post to a DDG position. The Director General explained that this was done to more accurately reflect the seniority and distinguished experience of Ambassador Hayes.
Ambassador Petit comes to WIPO following a long and distinguished career in the French foreign service. He is currently Frances Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. Prior to this post, he served as his countrys envoy to Sweden, India, and Mauritius. In addition to his ambassadorial posts, he has held several senior positions within the government, including Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Adviser to the Prime Minister. Ambassador Petits resumé is available.
Since November 1997, Ambassador Hayes has served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative in Geneva, Switzerland and U.S. Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO). In this capacity, she has been responsible for conducting trade negotiations and assisting the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in developing and implementing U.S. trade policy. In January 2001, Ambassador Hayes returned to Washington as Acting U.S. Trade Representative to manage USTR in Washington, D.C. and facilitated the transition between administrations. She subsequently resumed service in Geneva. Ambassador Hayes resumé is available.
The appointments of the Deputy Directors General and Assistant Directors General are effective from December 1, 2001 to November 30, 2003, which coincides with the end of the Director Generals mandate.
Representatives from 72 member states attended the meeting.
For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at +4122-3388161 or +4122-3389547 or publicinf@wipo.int.