Changing of the Guard

Brazilian Roberto Azevedo's role with World Trade Organization changed on May 8 from the representative of Brazil to the new director-general.

The selection of a person to succeed Pascal Lamy, head of WTO since 2005, started in late 2012. The final decision was made by the WTO's General Council after almost six months of campaigning. Backed by Russia, India, China and other Latin American countries, the 55-year-old Azevedo defeated Herminio Blanco, the Mexican candidate for the post who was supported by the United States and the European Union.