General Council Appoints Azevêdo as Next Director-General, Lamy Pledges Smooth Transition

At a special meeting on 14 May 2013, the General Council approved the appointment of Ambassador Roberto Carvalho de Azevêdo (Brazil) as the next Director-General of the WTO. He begins his term of office on 1 September 2013. Director-General Pascal Lamy pledged to work closely with Ambassador Azevêdo in ensuring a smooth transition.