BNP Paribas Appoints Isabelle Mateos y Lago as New Chief Economist, Succeeding William de Vijlder

BNP Paribas Appoints Isabelle Mateos y Lago as New Chief Economist, Succeeding William de Vijlder

(IN BRIEF) BNP Paribas has appointed Isabelle Mateos y Lago as its new Chief Economist, effective September 3, 2024, succeeding William de Vijlder, who will become Economic Adviser to the Group’s General Management before retiring. Isabelle brings extensive experience from her previous role at BlackRock and will lead the bank’s Economic Research Unit, supporting business operations and client services. William de Vijlder, who has been with BNP Paribas since 2014, has been praised for his contributions to the bank’s strategic decision-making. The leadership transition underscores BNP Paribas’ commitment to leveraging top-tier economic expertise.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 29-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — BNP Paribas has announced the appointment of Isabelle Mateos y Lago as the Group’s new Chief Economist, effective September 3, 2024. She will succeed William de Vijlder, who has served as Chief Economist since 2014 and will soon transition to the role of Economic Adviser to the Group’s General Management before his retirement.

Isabelle Mateos y Lago joins BNP Paribas from BlackRock, where she held the position of Chief Markets Strategist. Reporting directly to Lars Machenil, BNP Paribas’ Chief Financial Officer, Isabelle will lead the Economic Research Unit, enhancing its role in supporting the Group’s business operations and client services. Her extensive experience in international economics, finance, and public policy, gained through her work at prestigious institutions such as the IMF and BlackRock, positions her to bring fresh perspectives and strategic insights to BNP Paribas.

William de Vijlder, who has been instrumental in shaping BNP Paribas’ economic research capabilities over the past decade, will continue to provide his expertise in his new advisory role. Under his leadership, the Economic Research department became a cornerstone of the Group’s strategic decision-making process, offering valuable analysis and guidance that have helped BNP Paribas navigate complex global economic conditions.

Jean-Laurent Bonnafé, CEO of BNP Paribas, expressed his appreciation for William’s contributions, noting that his insights have been invaluable to the Bank’s reputation and global reach. He also extended a warm welcome to Isabelle, emphasizing her deep expertise and international experience as key assets for the Group’s future.

Lars Machenil, Group CFO, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Isabelle’s ability to strengthen BNP Paribas’ client relationships and navigate the challenges of an ever-changing economic landscape.

Isabelle Mateos y Lago has over 25 years’ experience in international economics, finance and public policy. She began her career in France at the Inspection Générale des Finances before joining the IMF, where she held key positions in the Asia, Europe and Strategy departments, before serving as advisor to the Executive Board under Christine Lagarde until 2014. She joined BlackRock in 2015 and was Chief Macro Investment Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute and then Chief Markets Strategist in the Financial and Strategic Investors Group until 2024.

Isabelle Mateos y Lago earned degrees from Sciences Po Paris (Institut d’études politiques de Paris) and Cambridge University (Economics) and is an alumna of the ENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration).

William de Vijlder was Chief Economist of the BNP Paribas Group from 2014. He previously held the position of Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Fortis Investments, before joining BNP Paribas Investment Partners in 2010 as CIO Strategy and Partners and member of the Executive Committee. William began his career in 1987 in the Economic Research Department of Générale de Banque, before joining the Asset Management Department in 1989 as head of investment strategy.

William de Vijlder holds a PhD in Economics from Ghent University (Belgium), where he has taught since 1991 as a lecturer and then professor.

About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 63 countries and has nearly 183,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in al its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

Media Contact:

Giaime Porcu
giaime.porcu@bnpparibas.com
+33 (0) 6 07 06 07 55

SOURCE; BNP Paribas