Skip to Main Navigation

World Bank Group Timeline

June 18, 1946

Eugene Meyer becomes the first World Bank President

After a lengthy and involved search, U.S. President Harry S. Truman names Eugene Meyer as the World Bank's first president. With 75-year-old President Meyer, the Bank gains a leader with a distinguished background in public service and on Wall Street.

Resource Gallery

Address by President Meyer

Nov. 7, 1946
In one of his first speeches, President Meyer address the Academy of Political Science in New York City. Meyer describes the origins of the World Bank and the need for private investment and increased trade and manufacturing (30254679).

The Presidency of Eugene Meyer

Originally published: November 2004
The exhibit describes Meyer's nomination as World Bank president, his accomplishments as president, and his sudden resignation.

Press release -- Meyer's selection as World Bank president

June 4, 1946
The World Bank's first press release ("No. 1") announces the selection of Eugene Meyer as president of the World Bank "upon the nomination of the United States Executive Director, Mr. Emilio G. Collado" (1868290).

Press release -- Statement by Eugene Meyer

June 4, 1946
In citing both the world's food famine and its need for continued industrialization, President Eugene Meyer touches on what will prove to be the World Bank's dual approach to economic development (1868290).

President Eugene Meyer

1st World Bank President: June 1946
- December 1946

First Annual Report by the Executive Directors

Document date: Sept. 27, 1946
The World Bank's first annual report describes the selection of Eugene Meyer as president as well as other organizational decisions made during the Bank's first months of operation.

Correspondence to Eugene Meyer from the World Bank

June 1946
The letter describes the incoming president's role, responsibilities, and salary. It also addresses the role Meyer is allowed to maintain in the management and publication of his newspaper, the Washington Post (1069876). 

Interview with Daniel Crena de Longh

Interview date: Aug. 1, 1961
The Meyer presidency is discussed on pages 10-11, 26-27, and 35.

Eugene Meyer (1875-1959)

c. 1946
1948 Meyer is nominated and elected as the World Bank's first president in June 1946. He remains in the post for only six months, resigning in December 1946 (1893764; Credit: The World Bank).

/content/worldbankgroup/timeline/en/shared/site_configtemp1!!!!!