Odile Renaud-Basso: A Visionary Leader Transforming the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Odile Renaud-Basso stands as one of the most influential figures in international finance and economic governance today. As the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) since November 2020, she has broken multiple glass ceilings, becoming the first woman ever to lead a multilateral development bank. Her career, which spans over three decades in public service, finance, and economic policy, reflects exceptional leadership, technical mastery, and a commitment to sustainable growth across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond.
Born in France in 1965, Odile Renaud-Basso’s professional journey embodies both intellectual excellence and pragmatic decision-making. Her work at the French Treasury, the European Union, and the EBRD has positioned her at the forefront of international economic cooperation.
Early Education and Academic Foundation
The Academic Excellence of Odile Renaud-Basso
Odile Renaud-Basso’s academic foundation is firmly rooted in France’s most prestigious institutions. She studied at Sciences Po Paris between 1985 and 1988, where she developed her understanding of political science, public policy, and economics. Following this, she joined the École nationale d’administration (ENA), one of France’s most elite schools for public administration, graduating in 1990 as part of the “Promotion Jean Monnet.”
Her intellectual curiosity and leadership potential soon took her across the Atlantic, where she completed an executive programme in Senior Management in Government at the Harvard Kennedy School in 1993. This combination of French administrative rigour and international exposure laid the foundation for her future as a global leader in finance.
Career Journey: From the French Treasury to the EBRD
Early Career in Public Service
Odile Renaud-Basso began her professional journey at the Cour des Comptes, France’s national audit office, in 1990. Her role as Auditrice (Auditor) involved ensuring the transparency and efficiency of public finances — an early sign of her lifelong commitment to accountability and public service.
After four years, she joined the French Treasury (Direction générale du Trésor), where she worked for over a decade in increasingly senior roles. Between 1994 and 2005, she led key departments including the Bureau for SME Financing, the Department for Economic Financing, and the Multilateral and Development Division. She also served as Secretary-General of the Paris Club, which coordinates debt restructuring for developing nations — a role that deepened her understanding of international economic relations.
European Leadership Roles
Her reputation as a strategic economist grew rapidly. Between 2005 and 2010, Odile Renaud-Basso was appointed as a Director within the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) in Brussels. She later became Deputy Head of Cabinet to the President of the European Council (2010–2012), demonstrating her ability to navigate complex political and financial landscapes.
In 2012, she returned to France as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, before moving to Caisse des Dépôts, the French public investment institution, where she served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer from 2013 to 2016.
The French Treasury and EBRD Presidency
In July 2016, Odile Renaud-Basso was appointed Director-General of the French Treasury, one of the most senior economic positions in the French government. She oversaw public policy in finance, international economic relations, and debt management — responsibilities that directly influenced the country’s economic resilience.
Her excellence in this role paved the way for her landmark appointment as President of the EBRD in November 2020. Based in London, she became the first woman ever to hold this prestigious position, marking a historic milestone in the world of multilateral development finance.
Leadership at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Odile Renaud-Basso’s Vision for the EBRD
Under Odile Renaud-Basso’s leadership, the EBRD has accelerated its commitment to green finance, digital transformation, and inclusive economic recovery. Her presidency coincided with the global COVID-19 pandemic — a period that demanded resilience, innovation, and empathy.
She led initiatives to help member countries stabilise economies, support private sector recovery, and invest in green and digital transitions. Through her stewardship, the EBRD strengthened its position as a leading international financial institution promoting sustainable development in over 30 economies across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Promoting Green and Inclusive Growth
A key element of Odile Renaud-Basso’s vision has been sustainability. She has advocated for an ambitious Green Economy Transition strategy, aligning EBRD operations with the Paris Agreement and aiming for majority green investment by 2025.
Equally, she champions inclusivity, emphasising the role of women entrepreneurs, youth empowerment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in building resilient economies. Her policy direction ensures that growth is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially equitable.
A Pioneer for Gender Equality and Multilateral Cooperation
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Odile Renaud-Basso’s career is a testament to the power of competence and perseverance in challenging traditional gender hierarchies. As the first female president of a multilateral development bank, she has become a symbol of progress and gender equality in global leadership.
Her success story has inspired countless women in finance and public policy, demonstrating that strategic thinking and collaborative leadership can transcend barriers.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Through her role at the EBRD, she has reinforced partnerships between Europe and emerging economies, encouraging collaboration across borders. Her diplomatic experience in both EU and French government institutions has enabled her to act as a bridge between policymakers, investors, and development practitioners.
Personality, Vision and Legacy
Odile Renaud-Basso is known for her composed, pragmatic, and visionary approach. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she brings a multicultural perspective to global finance. Her leadership style combines analytical depth with empathy, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Her legacy is already defined by resilience, modernisation, and inclusiveness. Under her leadership, the EBRD has become more adaptive to the challenges of climate change, digital transformation, and economic disparity.
Conclusion: Odile Renaud-Basso’s Enduring Impact
Odile Renaud-Basso’s journey from the corridors of ENA and Sciences Po to the presidency of the EBRD is a story of excellence, determination, and service. She has reshaped the role of international financial institutions in promoting sustainable and inclusive development while paving the way for future female leaders in economics and finance.
Her strategic insight, policy innovation, and unwavering commitment to global cooperation continue to make her a defining figure in the world of modern economic leadership.
FAQs
1. Who is Odile Renaud-Basso?
Odile Renaud-Basso is a French economist and civil servant who has been the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) since November 2020. She is the first woman to lead a multilateral development bank.
2. What is Odile Renaud-Basso’s educational background?
She studied at Sciences Po Paris, graduated from the École nationale d’administration (ENA) (Promotion Jean Monnet, 1990), and completed an executive programme at Harvard Kennedy School in 1993.
3. What positions did Odile Renaud-Basso hold before joining the EBRD?
Before her EBRD presidency, she served as Director-General of the French Treasury, Deputy CEO of Caisse des Dépôts, and held senior roles in the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.
4. What are Odile Renaud-Basso’s priorities as EBRD President?
Her leadership focuses on green finance, inclusive growth, digital transformation, and sustainable recovery. She aims to align the EBRD’s mission with the Paris Climate Agreement and global sustainability goals.
5. Why is Odile Renaud-Basso considered a trailblazer?
She is celebrated for breaking gender barriers, leading with integrity, and modernising the EBRD’s approach to sustainability and inclusivity, making her a role model for women in international finance and leadership.
