Zoellick would replace Paul Wolfowitz, who was forced to step down after a 52-page damning report by the bank's investigating panel accused him of breaking bank rules and putting his own interest over the bank's when he ordered a promotion for his girlfriend, Shaha Riza. Wolfowitz will leave office June 30.

Bush will formally announce the decision to name Zoellick to head the premier lending institution on Wednesday, and expects the Bank's 24 member board to approve him.

Robert Zoellick, a deft negotiator who has traveled across the globe as President Bush's trade chief and as the country's no. two diplomat, has experience and long career in international trade, finance and diplomacy which make him uniquely suited to take on the challenges at the World Bank.

Zoellick, currently an executive at the investment bank Goldman Sachs, also has a knack for mastering intricate subject matter and translating it into policies. He is known for pulling facts and figures off the top of his head. He also has a reputation for being a demanding boss.