Born on 20 December 1942 in Lyon (F)

Nationality: French

Deputy Inspector of Finance (1971–1974)

Special Adviser at the General Inspectorate of Finance (1974–1975)

Special Adviser at the Treasury (1975–1976)

Secretary-General of the Interministerial Committee for Improving Industrial Structures (CIASI) (1976–1978)

Adviser to the Minister for the Economy on Industrial Affairs (1978)

Adviser to the French President on Industry, Energy and Research (1978–1981)

Bureau Chief for Development Aid at the Treasury (1981)

Deputy Director for Bilateral Affairs at the Treasury (1981–1985)

Head of the International Affairs Department at the Treasury (1985–1986)

Chairman of the Paris Club (1985–1993)

Director of the Private Office of the Minister for the Economy, Finance and Privatisation (1986)

Director of the Treasury (1987–1993)

Chairman of the European Monetary Committee (1992–1993)

Governor of the Banque de France (1993–2003)

President of the European Central Bank (2003–2011)