Nazih Deif

In 1953 Deif started his career as an elected member of the Expert Group on Industrialization of the United Arab Republic.^[1] In the period between 1957 and 1958 he was the director of economic planning commission of which he served as the director general from 1958 to 1961.^[1] He was appointed minister of planning in 1961.^[1][2] His major task was to negotiate with the IMF in relation to economic reforms to be carried out in Egypt.^[2] At the time of his appointment Deif was regarded by the American diplomats in Cairo as the most significant economist in the country.^[2] Deif remained in office until 1964 when he was named as the governor of the IMF which he held until 1966.^[1] During the period between 1964 and 1968 Deif served as the minister of treasury.^[1] From 2 October 1965 Deif was part of the cabinet led by Zakaria Mohieddin who was the Prime Minister of the United Arab Republic.^[3]

After retiring from government posts Deif began to teach at Cairo University.^[1] In 1970 Deif was appointed executive director of the IMF, and his tenure lasted until 1976.^[4] From 1979 to 1981 he was the deputy chairman and managing director of Al Watani Bank in Egypt.^[1]

Deif was married and had four children.^[1] He was the author of various articles and books on economy and fiscal policy.^[5] He later emigrated to the United States, and died in Framingham, Massachusetts, on 10 November 1992 at the age of 69.^[6]