Jan Fischer, currently the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, has been appointed Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), effective 1 September 2010, the EBRD said in press release.

The decision follows approval by the EBRD’s Board of Directors of a proposal made by EBRD President Thomas Mirow.

“Jan Fischer will make an excellent addition to the management team at the EBRD. His experience as a successful and popular Prime Minister of a country with long-standing links to the EBRD means he is certain to make a particularly strong contribution,” Mr. Mirow said.

In his role as Vice President, Mr. Fischer will be responsible for developing and maintaining high level relations with the authorities of the countries where the EBRD invests.

Mr Fischer will replace Brigita Schmognerova whose term as Vice President ends on 31 August 2010.