Mathias Cormann

Mathias Cormann has served as the Secretary-General of the OECD since 1 June 2021, becoming the sixth person to hold this position. His leadership is defined by a firm commitment to advancing global economic resilience, inclusive growth, and climate action through strengthened international cooperation. As Secretary-General, Mr Cormann’s priorities include: Promoting policies for strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic development; Strengthening international climate action with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050; Embracing the digital transformation and artificial intelligence while addressing related risks and disruptions; Safeguarding well-functioning global markets under a rules-based international trading system; Expanding OECD membership and partnerships, and advancing global standards aligned with sustainable development. Prior to joining the OECD, Mr Cormann served as Australia’s Minister for Finance, Leader of the Government in the Senate, and Federal Senator for Western Australia. He is recognised for his consistent advocacy for open markets, free trade, and the rule-based international economic system. Born in the German-speaking part of Belgium, Mr Cormann holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Louvain (Leuven) and studied in Namur and at the University of East Anglia under the Erasmus Exchange Programme. He migrated to Australia in 1996, attracted by the opportunities and quality of life in Western Australia. Between 1997 and 2003, he held senior advisory roles at both the state and federal levels of Australian government, including as Chief of Staff. From 2003 to 2007, he worked in senior management at HBF, a leading health insurer in Western Australia. A multilingual communicator, Mr Cormann speaks German, French, Flemish, and English. He is married to Hayley, a lawyer, and they have two daughters – Isabelle and Charlotte. He also holds a private pilot’s licence, fulfilling a lifelong dream.