Christine Lagarde began her professional life in 1981 at the international law firm Baker McKenzie, where she specialized in labour and anti-trust matters. She rose through the corporate ranks to become chairperson in 1999, eventually transitioning into French government service to lead multiple ministerial portfolios before assuming international leadership roles at the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank.
Legal and Corporate Career
After completing her education at Paris Nanterre University and Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence, Lagarde entered the legal profession. She joined Baker McKenzie in 1981, dedicating over two decades to the firm. During her tenure, she focused on mergers, acquisitions, and labour law. She achieved a significant milestone in 1999 when she was appointed chairperson of the firm, serving until 2005.
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Lagarde moved into public office in 2005 as Minister of Foreign Trade. In 2007, she served briefly as the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries before taking the position of Minister of the Economy, Finances and Industry. She occupied the latter role from 2007 to 2010, and again from 2010 to 2011, during which time she managed the state's economic response to global financial volatility.
International Financial Leadership
In 2011, Lagarde was selected as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, becoming the first woman to hold this position. She served two terms in this capacity, ending her tenure in 2019. Following her departure from the IMF, she was appointed President of the European Central Bank. Her career in international finance has been marked by her bilingual proficiency in French and English.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, 9th arrondissement of Paris
- Education: Holton-Arms School, École des beaux-arts d'Avignon, Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence, Paris Nanterre University, Lycée François-Ier
- Law Firm Tenure: Baker McKenzie, 1981-2005
- Ministerial Roles: Trade, Agriculture and Fisheries, Economy, Finances and Industry
- IMF Managing Director: 2011-2019
- European Central Bank President: 2019-present
- Awards: Order of Friendship (2010), Officer of the Legion of Honour (2012), Commander of the National Order of Merit (2021)
Questions readers ask
What was Christine Lagarde's background before entering politics?
She was a lawyer who worked for the firm Baker McKenzie from 1981 to 2005, eventually becoming its chairperson.
Which international organizations has she led?
She served as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and is the current President of the European Central Bank.
Achievements
- Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (2011–2019)
- Minister of the Economy, Finances and Industry (2010–2011)
- Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (2007–2007)
- chairperson (from 1999)
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 2012
- Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit
- Order of Friendship — 2010
- Commander of the National Order of Merit — 2021
- Educated at Lycée François-Ier and Holton-Arms School
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