James Wolfensohn

Date of Birth: December 1, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: November 25, 2020

Biography

James David Wolfensohn was a prominent Australian-American businessman, economist, and philanthropist, best known for his tenure as the ninth president of the World Bank Group, serving from 1995 to 2005. Born in Sydney, Australia, Wolfensohn had a distinguished career that spanned several continents and sectors. He was educated at the University of Sydney and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. After a stint in the Australian Air Force, Wolfensohn moved to the United States, where he worked for various financial institutions, including Salomon Brothers and Schroders. He founded his own investment firm, James D. Wolfensohn Inc., before being appointed to the World Bank. During his presidency at the World Bank, he focused on poverty reduction, debt relief for developing countries, and corruption. After retiring from the World Bank, he continued to be active in various philanthropic and business ventures until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about James Wolfensohn

1. James Wolfensohn was a skilled cellist and even performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

2. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995, receiving an honorary knighthood (KBE).

3. Wolfensohn was a dual citizen of Australia and the United States.

4. He played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of the Comprehensive Development Framework, a holistic approach to development.

5. He was a participant in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics as a member of the Australian fencing team.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Wolfensohn

1. “If we want stability and peace, we need to address the disparities between rich and poor.”

2. “The fight against poverty is the fight for the future of our world.”

3. “Corruption is not only an economic issue but a human rights issue.”

4. “Development is about people. It’s about providing opportunities for people to improve their lives.”

5. “We must strive to understand the cultures and traditions of those we aim to help.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, James Wolfensohn’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million.

Children

James Wolfensohn had three children: Naomi Wolfensohn, Adam Wolfensohn, and Sara Wolfensohn.

Relevant Links

1. [James Wolfensohn – World Bank Biography](https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/archives/history/past-presidents/james-d-wolfensohn

2. [James Wolfensohn Obituary – The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/25/business/james-d-wolfensohn-dead.html

3. [James Wolfensohn – Harvard Business School Profile](https://www.hbs.edu/leadership/20th-century-leaders/Pages/details.aspx?profile=james_wolfensohn

4. [The Legacy of James Wolfensohn – Brookings Institution](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-legacy-of-james-d-wolfensohn/

5. [James Wolfensohn – The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/25/james-wolfensohn-obituary

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