Mehdi Samii
Mehdi Samii | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1918 Tehran, Iran |
| Died | 2010 |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, banker, certified accountant |
| Known for | Governor of the Central Bank of Iran; co-founder of the Iranian Institute of Certified Accountants |
Mehdi Samii (; 1918–2010) was a prominent Iranian economist, banker, and certified accountant. He is widely acknowledged as a principal figure behind Iran's swift economic and industrial expansion during the 1960s. Samii was instrumental in founding the Central Bank of Iran, where his leadership is credited with maintaining the institution's autonomy, operational effectiveness, and integrity.
Biography
Born in Tehran in 1910, Samii held several significant positions including Governor of the Central Bank of Iran from 1964 to 1969 and again from 1970 to 1971. He also led the Plan and Budget Organization between 1969 and 1971, and served as an Ambassador-at-large from 1971 to 1973. On two occasions, he declined offers to become a government minister: first as minister of agriculture in 1960, then as minister of commerce in 1961.
In addition to his public service, Samii was a co-founder of the Iranian Institute of Certified Accountants. He died in 2010.