Wolfensohn Confirms Plan to Leave World Bank

Washingtonpost.com article:

The Bush Administration has effective control over the naming of Wolfensohn's successor because the United States, as the bank's largest shareholder nation, traditionally chooses an American for the post, while Europeans get to pick one of their own for the head of the International Monetary Fund.

But Rob Nichols, the U.S. assistant treasury secretary for public affairs, confirmed that the administration intends to conduct an "open, candid and transparent" selection process, suggesting that Washington will consult with other member nations and at least try to avoid the appearance of forcing its choice on them.

Wolfensohn, while a U.S. citizen, was born and educated in Australia, and worked in Austalia and the U.K. at times during his career.