Guide Note

On July 1, 2007, former United States Trade Representative and Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick replaced Paul Wolfowitz as the president of the World Bank.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Robert Bruce Zoellick
2. Born: July 25, 1953 in Naperville, Illinois
3. Graduated from Harvard Law School
4. Worked at the Department of the Treasury from 1985 to 1988
5. Was U.S. Trade Representative from January 2001 to February 2005
6. Acted as Deputy Secretary of State from February 2005 to July 2006
7. Was a Goldman Sachs executive prior to joining the World Bank
8. His term as the 11th President of the World Bank expires in 2012
9. Was instrumental in negotiating free trade agreements with China, Taiwan, Singapore, Chile and Australia
10. Helped shape international foreign policy toward the genocide in Darfur

1. "The terrorists deliberately chose the World Trade towers as their target. While their blow toppled the towers, it cannot and will not shake the foundation of world trade and freedom. Our response has to counter fear and panic, and counter it with free trade."
2. "The United States seeks cooperation—or better—on foreign policy and security. Given that the United States has international interests beyond trade, why not try to urge people to support our overall policies? Negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States is not something one has a right to do—it's a privilege."