Maria Livanos Cattaui was Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce from 1996 to 2005. Mrs Cattaui worked with the World Economic Forum in Geneva from 1977 to 1996, where she became Managing Director, responsible for the Annual Meeting in Davos, building the public awareness it enjoys today.
She holds Executive Board, Board and Advisory Board memberships on the International Crisis Group, EastWest Institute, the Institute of International Education, the Elliott School of International Affairs (George Washington University), among others.
Mrs Cattaui, of Greek origin and Swiss nationality, was educated in the United States. She graduated with honors from Harvard University and holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from York University, Toronto.