WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick has named South African Leonard McCarthy to head the Bank's Department of Institutional Integrity (INT). McCarthy has earned international recognition for investigations and prosecutions of individuals engaged in corruption as head of South Africa's Directorate of Special Operations.
"Leonard McCarthy is recognized worldwide for his integrity, independence and effectiveness in fighting corruption and strengthening good governance," said Zoellick. "This is the first time that the Department of Institutional Integrity will be headed at the level of Vice President, and McCarthy brings to the post stature, skill and tested experience. This post is critical for our work, reputation and fiduciary duty. I am confident that he will bring effective leadership to our highest obligation to protect the Bank's assets and hold people, businesses and governments responsible if they steal from the poor."
McCarthy's work with South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority has included investigating and prosecuting high profile cases of financial crime, organized crime and high-level corruption. He has worked closely with African governments and law enforcement officials across the globe to expose and prosecute transnational financial crime. McCarthy was formerly a Director of Public Prosecutions appointed by President Nelson Mandela.
An experienced trial lawyer, he has held numerous positions in government, including Investigating Director in the Office for Serious Economic Offenses, Deputy Attorney General in Cape Province and Senior Public Prosecutor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of South Africa in Cape Town.
Following talks with the South African government, President Mbeki has agreed to release McCarthy from service, to take up the position at the World Bank on June 30, 2008.
"I am honored to receive this appointment and to be joining the World Bank, I believe strongly in its vision," said McCarthy. "President Zoellick has made clear to me the strong emphasis he places on INT's role, its need for strong, highly skilled people who will both pursue investigations and integrate anti-corruption work into Bank projects across the world. I am committed to delivering results and building on INT's work to strengthen financial due diligence and ensure that precious development resources benefit people who need them most."
McCarthy was selected from a list of candidates assessed by an internal search committee with the addition of former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, who led a review of INT last year. In his report, Volcker called for greater attention to protect against corruption in designing and implementing Bank programs.
Mr. Volcker has welcomed the fact that the Bank is now implementing the recommendations of the Panel he chaired, importantly including elevating the head of INT to the level of Vice President.
