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WTO Directors-General

Seven people have led the World Trade Organization since 1995. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African in the post, has held it since 1 March 2021.

The full list

The founding years (1995-1999) 2

The last GATT Director-General carried over into the new WTO, then a single four-year term for his successor.

• Peter Sutherland1995
• Renato Ruggiero1995–1999

The split term (1999-2005) 2

After a deadlocked contest, members split six years between two candidates in July 1999, neither eligible for reappointment.

• Mike Moore1999–2002
• Supachai Panitchpakdi2002–2005

Since 2005 3

Three Directors-General each reappointed for a second four-year term, including the incumbent, the first woman and first African.

• Pascal Lamy2005–2013
• Roberto Azevêdo2013–2020
• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala2021–

Not on the list

• David Hartridge (May to August 1999): A WTO division director whom Ruggiero chose to handle day-to-day Secretariat business until his successor took office.

Questions

How many Directors-General has the WTO had?

Seven people have led the World Trade Organization since 1995. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African in the post, has held it since 1 March 2021.

Which Directors-General are on the list?

Peter Sutherland, Renato Ruggiero, Mike Moore, Supachai Panitchpakdi, Pascal Lamy, Roberto Azevêdo and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

What is an easy way to remember them?

Irish, Italian, then one term shared by a New Zealander and a Thai, then French, Brazilian and Nigerian.

More lists

Each name checked against at least two sources, one of them WTO, on 4 October 2026. Next review by 4 October 2027.
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