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Jens Weidmann

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Jens Weidmann, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025
Jens Weidmann
Born (1968-04-20) April 20, 1968 (age 58)
Solingen, Germany
OccupationEconomist
Known forPresident of Deutsche Bundesbank (2011–2021), Chairman of the Board at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Jens Weidmann (born 20 April 1968) is a German economist notable for his tenure as president of the Deutsche Bundesbank from 2011 until 2021 and for serving as chairman of the Board at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

Before leading the Bundesbank, Weidmann held the position of Head of Division IV (Economic and Financial Policy) within the German Chancellery starting February 2006. In this role, he represented Germany as the chief negotiator during the G8 and G20 summit meetings.

Early life and academic career

Originating from Solingen, Weidmann completed his secondary education at a gymnasium in Backnang, Baden-Württemberg in 1987. He pursued economics studies at Aix-Marseille University, the University of Paris, and the University of Bonn, where he obtained his Diplom in 1993. He initiated doctoral research on European monetary policy at the University of Mannheim but later returned to Bonn to earn his Dr. rer. nat. pol. degree in 1997 under the supervision of monetary economist .

Throughout his academic journey, Weidmann gained practical experience through internships at both the Banque de France and the National Bank of Rwanda. His expertise in French financial systems enhanced Franco-German cooperation, reinforcing the so-called "Franco-German twin engine" driving European economic policy. His studies were centered on monetarist economic theory.

Professional career

Between 1997 and 1999, Weidmann was employed by the International Monetary Fund. Up until 2004, he served as Secretary to the German Council of Economic Experts, contributing significantly to a 20-point reform plan that shaped Chancellor Gerhard Schröder’s Agenda 2010 initiatives.

Subsequently, he joined the Bundesbank, where he directed the Monetary Policy and Monetary Analysis division until 2006.

Advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, 2006–2011

In 2006, Weidmann transitioned to the Federal Chancellery, managing policy content and strategic planning for the G-20 amid the financial crisis. At that time, he was recognized as the youngest department head within the German government. Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed him as Sherpa for the G8 summits in December 2009, viewing these meetings as preparatory forums for broader G20 discussions on global economic governance.

During his tenure at the Chancellery, Weidmann played an instrumental role in crisis management efforts: averting Hypo Real Estate’s collapse, securing guarantees on German bank deposits, implementing banking rescue measures, coordinating fiscal stimulus efforts, and facilitating both Greece’s bailout and the creation of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).

In 2011, he put forward Sabine Lautenschläger from BaFin as a candidate for Bundesbank vice president.

President of the Bundesbank, 2011–2021

Weidmann assumed office as president of Deutsche Bundesbank in February 2011, succeeding Axel A. Weber. Confronted with the challenges of the European sovereign debt crisis, he promoted a prudent strategy regarding reforms to the European Monetary Union (EMU), advocating either a fiscal union or strict market discipline that could involve sovereign defaults—positions that contrasted with Chancellor Merkel’s approach favoring fiscal integration.

By late 2011, Weidmann openly criticized certain peripheral EMU countries for their fiscal mismanagement along with excessive private sector construction and consumption. In December of that year, newly appointed ECB president Mario Draghi sought dialogue with Weidmann to prevent tensions similar to those experienced under previous leadership.

In May 2012, economist Paul Krugman described Weidmann’s policies as antagonistic toward the Euro. Later that year, reports indicated that Weidmann threatened to resign over Draghi’s bond-purchase program designed to stabilize borrowing costs in Italy and Spain, perceiving it as ECB financing of governments—a viewpoint reminiscent of Axel Weber’s earlier resignation.

On 24 February 2016, Weidmann downplayed fears of deflation amid ECB stimulus measures, citing Germany’s robust economy and relative eurozone stability ahead of forthcoming ECB meetings in March.

His presidency at Bundesbank was extended for an eight-year term in April 2019; nevertheless, he resigned on 31 December 2021, ending his service five years earlier than planned.

Later career

At the beginning of 2022, the International Monetary Fund designated Weidmann to chair a newly established external committee aimed at enhancing institutional safeguards in response to a data controversy involving IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva during her period at the World Bank.

International organizations

Corporate boards

  • Munich Re, supervisory board member (from 2024)
  • Commerzbank, chairman of the supervisory board (since 2023)
  • Fraport, Economic Advisory Board member

Non-profit organizations

Recognition (selection)

Selected publications

External links

Related profiles

AAxel A. WeberJJoachim von Amsberg (banker)DDieter SchwarzJJürgen Stark
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