Dr Irmela von Schenck, Bundesbank’s representative in India

For six months, I have been working as the Bundesbank’s representative in India at the Consulate General in Mumbai – the country’s financial centre. There is a lively financial community here, and I have learned an incredible amount within a short space of time. Settling in was made particularly easy by how open and willing to engage in dialogue Indian people are. That made my start in Mumbai a real pleasure.

© Srushti Sakhare

Irmela von Schenck Representative of the Deutsche Bundesbank, Consulate-General in Mumbai

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The hustle and bustle on the streets is ever-present – but those who embrace it are rewarded with the energy and friendliness of many young people who shape the city. The Bundesbank enjoys an excellent reputation here; it is not uncommon for the proverbial red carpet to be rolled out for me – credit goes to my predecessor, Thomas Notheis. However, I have barely noticed any great interest in how topics are viewed or approached in the Eurosystem so far. India is very preoccupied with its own challenges. Nevertheless, the current geopolitical and geoeconomic changes are leading India to increasingly seek international partnerships and expand existing relationships. The free trade agreement with the EU signed in January is an important milestone in this regard.

The way I work and the topics I deal with here could hardly be more different from my previous role in the President’s speech-writing team. I very much appreciate having the opportunity to gain these new experiences.

Julia von Borstel, Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the OECD

I started working as the new representative in the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the OECD in January. In the Permanent Representation, I work together with colleagues from the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Owing to my central banking background, I am responsible for all financial market topics, as well as for economics, statistics and matters of good governance. I am thrilled about how versatile it is, and also about the international environment at the OECD and, of course, life in Paris.

© Talat Akyol

Julia von Borstel Representative of the Deutsche Bundesbank, Permanent Representation of Germany to the OECD in Paris

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My main task is to act as a link between the OECD and the Bundesbank as well as the ministries, to provide the best possible support to the delegates from Germany in their work, and to prepare and follow up the meetings at the OECD. For this work, it is not only helpful to be well connected at the Bundesbank, but also to maintain good contacts with the OECD and with the representatives of other member countries. I am excellently placed to build on the network of my predecessor Saskia Weber, who was recently seconded from the Bundesbank as a Permanent Representative for four years. Something noteworthy about Paris is that Tim Hagemann, a second Bundesbanker, is here as the Bundesbank’s representative at the German Embassy.

I already had the opportunity to gain experience abroad for the Bundesbank when I worked as deputy head of the Representative Office in New York from 2019 to 2022. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, this period was very enriching for my family and me. I originally started working in the Bundesbank’s Directorate General Economics over 20 years ago. After having positions in various areas, I am now looking forward to the many new experiences and impressions Paris has to offer.