EXCLUSIVE: Pascal Saint-Amans defines his role as new OECD head of tax policy and administration

25 October 2011

Salman Shaheen - ITR

When Jeffrey Owens announced his retirement as head of tax policy and administration at the OECD, the race was on to replace one of the most important figures in global tax affairs. Pascal Saint-Amans is that man and, in an exclusive interview, he discusses his priorities on transparency, transfer pricing and tax avoidance before taking up the position in February.

International Tax Review: How has your career thus far prepared you for your new role as OECD head of tax policy and administration?

Pascal Saint-Amans: I’ve always been involved in international tax matters. I started my career in the French Ministry of Finance as a member of the Monti group. Some might remember the tax package prepared by Monti back in 1997. At that time in the French Treasury, there were not many people involved in European tax matters and I was asked to be the junior member of that group. I worked there for two years preparing the grounds for the Savings Directive.

I became the chair of Working Party One and became the French delegate to the UN for four years. I got involved in OECD tax matters of course and that’s where I was offered to take up the position.

I’ve been at the OECD...

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