Frank G. Wisner

Frank G. Wisner II
Frank G. Wisner II
Born	2 July 1938 (age 88); New York City, U.S.
Died	24 February 2025 (aged 86); Mill Neck, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Diplomat, businessman
Years active	1961–2013
Known for	United States Secretary of State (acting), U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, Philippines, India; envoy during 2011 Egyptian protests

Frank George Wisner II (July 2, 1938 – February 24, 2025) was an American diplomat and businessman who briefly held the position of United States Secretary of State on January 20, 1993, serving in the interval between acting Secretary Arnold Kanter’s departure and Warren Christopher’s confirmation. On January 31, 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Wisner to engage in negotiations aimed at resolving the 2011 Egyptian protests. His deep knowledge of the region and established relationships with Egyptian leaders, including former president Hosni Mubarak, played a significant role in his appointment.

In addition, Wisner acted as an international-affairs consultant for the Washington-based law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

Life and career

Born in New York City on July 2, 1938, Wisner was the son of philanthropist Mary Knowles Fritchey and CIA officer Frank Wisner (1909–1965). He entered the United States Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer in December 1961.

His initial diplomatic roles included serving as vice consul at the American Consulate General in Tangier, Morocco, followed by third secretary at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, Algeria. From 1964 until 1969, he worked as a rural development officer with the Agency for International Development at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, South Vietnam. Upon returning to the State Department, he oversaw Tunisian affairs and held the position of first secretary at U.S. Embassies in both Tunis, Tunisia (1971–73), and Dacca, Bangladesh (1973–74). Between 1974 and 1975, he led the Office of Plans and Management within the Bureau of Public Affairs and subsequently served as Deputy Director of the President's Indo-China Task Force.

During the Carter administration, Wisner was appointed Deputy Executive Secretary of the State Department. His ambassadorial assignments included postings to Zambia (1979–82), Egypt (1986–91), the Philippines (1991–92), and India (1994–97).

While stationed in Lusaka, he played a pivotal role in advancing the Constructive Engagement policy under Assistant Secretary Chester Crocker, helping to restore U.S.-Zambia relations following a 1980 embassy controversy. His contributions were instrumental in facilitating the 1984 Lusaka Conference that addressed regional issues involving conflicts in Angola and Namibia.

After concluding his government service in 1997, Wisner joined various corporate boards including those affiliated with a subsidiary of Enron and American International Group (AIG). In 2002, he co-led a working group that developed U.S. post-conflict strategies for Iraq, focusing on enhancing law enforcement capabilities, delivering humanitarian assistance, and preventing control by exiled opposition factions.

Wisner also served on advisory councils for organizations such as the Partnership for a Secure America, the National Security Network, and Refugees International. In 2012, he took over from Paul A. Volcker as chairman of the board of trustees at the International House of New York. Additionally, he joined EOG Resources’ board and became a member of Ergo’s advisory board in 2013. He chaired the board of directors for The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

Wisner was married to Christine de Ganay, who is stepmother to former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He was also affiliated with Washington’s Metropolitan Club.

He passed away due to lung cancer on February 24, 2025, in Mill Neck, New York, at age 86.

2011 Egypt protests

At the beginning of 2011, the Obama administration assigned Wisner the role of communicating certain perspectives to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, including the recommendation that Mubarak step down to help defuse the situation. Despite these efforts, Wisner was unable to convince Mubarak to resign. Shortly thereafter, following harsh crackdowns on pro-democracy demonstrators by forces loyal to Mubarak, Wisner spoke at a European security forum, emphasizing that Mubarak’s continued leadership was "essential" for maintaining "stability." The State Department quickly distanced itself from his comments, explaining that Wisner was serving as a messenger for specific administration viewpoints rather than acting as an official diplomatic representative.

External links

Obama Egypt Envoy Frank Wisner Says Mubarak Should Stay – video coverage by Democracy Now!