Schnabel Leaves ECB for IMF Role in 2027
Isabel Schnabel will leave her position as a member of the Executive Committee and Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) in January 2027. She has been appointed to lead the Monetary Markets and Capital Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as serve as a financial advisor for the organization, starting from January 4, 2027.
The ECB president, Christine Lagarde, praised Schnabel's contributions to the bank, highlighting her role in stabilizing inflation within the medium-term target of 2% and modernizing the ECB's operations. Schnabel will remain at the ECB until her departure, during which time she will be barred from intervening on IMF-related matters.
The news marks a significant transition for the ECB, with other high-profile departures expected in the coming years, including the chief economist Philip Lane's mandate conclusion in June 2027 and the possible early departure of President Lagarde herself.