He will succeed Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, who currently holds the position.
Mumssen, a German national, brings nearly 30 years of experience in international finance and policy. Since joining the IMF in 1999, he has played a central role in shaping the Fund’s approach to economic surveillance, lending frameworks, and global financial stability.
He currently serves as Deputy Director of the same department, where he oversees key policy areas including precautionary and concessional lending, external sector assessments, and the Global Financial Safety Net.
Before his current role, Mumssen held several senior positions within the IMF, including Chief of Staff in the Office of the Managing Director, Deputy Director of the Finance Department, and Director of the IMF Europe Office in Brussels and Paris. He also served as Senior Resident Representative to the European Union. As Division Chief in SPR, he spearheaded major reforms to the IMF’s concessional lending facilities and guided strategies for low-income countries.
His experience extends across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, where he has worked as mission chief and desk economist on both programme and surveillance assignments. Prior to joining the IMF, he was Principal Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
“Christian’s deep institutional knowledge, strategic acumen, creativity and sound judgment have helped us navigate many complex challenges over the past years,” said Georgieva.
“At a time when the world economy is in flux and many of our members face significant challenges, SPR’s central role in guiding the institution is more important than ever. I am confident that, under Christian’s leadership, the department will continue to deliver world-class value to our institution and our membership.”
Mumssen holds degrees in economics from the University of Freiburg and the University of Wisconsin, a Master’s in Economics from the London School of Economics, and a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Oxford.
–IMF/ChannelAfrica–
