* Decision by 25-member board was not unanimous
* Emerging nations question selection process, US dominance
* Kim is president of Dartmouth College
(Adds analyst’s comments, details on selection)
By Lesley Wroughton
WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) – The World Bank on Monday
chose Korean-born American health expert Jim Yong Kim as its new
president, maintaining Washington’s grip on the job and leaving
developing countries frustrated with the selection process.
Kim, a physician and anthropologist who makes for a somewhat
unorthodox choice to head the global anti-poverty lender, won
the job over Nigeria’s widely respected finance minister, Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, with the support of Washington’s allies in
Western Europe, Japan and Canada – as well as some emerging
economies.
It was the first time in the World Bank’s history that the
United States’ hold on the job was challenged.
The decision by the World Bank’s 25-member board was not
unanimous, with emerging economies splitting their support.
Brazil and South Africa backed Okonjo-Iweala, while three
sources said China and India supported Kim.
Kim, 52, who is president of Dartmouth College, will assume
his new post on July 1 after Robert Zoellick steps down as head
of the World Bank.
Continued…
