IBFD Appoints Prof. Michael Lang as Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Welcoming Prof. Michael Lang

Prof. Michael Lang is widely regarded as one of the leading scholars in international tax law. He serves as Head of the Institute for Austrian and International Tax Law at WU Vienna (Vienna University of Economics and Business), where he leads a research team of more than 40 researchers. His work focuses on European tax law, tax treaty law, and the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Throughout his distinguished academic career, Prof. Lang has held visiting professorships at leading institutions around the world, including New York University, Georgetown University Law Center, Sorbonne University, Peking University, and the University of Tokyo. He is also President of the Austrian Branch of the International Fiscal Association (IFA) and serves as one of the Editors-in-Chief of the Bulletin for International Taxation.

Prof. Lang has maintained a close relationship with IBFD for many years, both as a member of the Board of Trustees and through the longstanding academic collaboration between IBFD and WU Vienna. His appointment as Chairman reflects a shared commitment to advancing independent, high-quality research and dialogue in international taxation.

Commenting on his appointment, Prof. Lang said:

IBFD has played a unique and important role in the development of international taxation for decades. I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman of the Board of Trustees and look forward to working closely with my fellow trustees and the Executive Board to support IBFD's mission and future ambitions.

A Tribute to Prof. Stef van Weeghel

IBFD extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Stef van Weeghel for his dedicated service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Under his leadership, the Board provided valuable guidance and oversight during a period marked by significant developments in the international tax landscape and within the organisation itself.

Prof. van Weeghel's strategic insight, commitment to academic excellence, and steadfast support of IBFD's mission have made a lasting contribution to the foundation. His leadership has helped strengthen IBFD's position as a trusted and independent centre of expertise in international taxation.

While stepping down as Chairman, Prof. van Weeghel will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees, ensuring that IBFD continues to benefit from his experience and expertise.

IBFD counts itself fortunate to have the benefit of the commitment and support of such leading figures in international tax as Prof. Van Weeghel and Prof. Lang", says IBFD CEO Jan Maarten Slagter: “I am profoundly grateful for the wise counsel Prof. Van Weeghel has provided over the last thirteen years and very much looking forward to working with Prof. Lang, who brings to the table a wealth of experience in academia as well as in management of not-for-profit organisations

Board of Trustees Composition

As of 1 January 2026, the composition of IBFD's Board of Trustees is as follows:

• Prof. Michael Lang (Chairman)
• Dr Philip Baker
• Porus Kaka
• Peter Coebergh
• Rebecca Roes
• Alexia Scott
• Alexia Kardachaki
• Prof. Juliane Kokott
• Zhang Zhiyong
• Obiageli Ezekwesili
• Paolo Valerio Barbantini
• Liselott Kana
• Prof. Stef van Weeghel

IBFD is pleased to welcome Peter Coebergh and Alexia Kardachaki to the Board and extends its appreciation to former Board members Jean-Blaise Eckert and Herman Pabbruwe for their valuable service and contributions.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in safeguarding IBFD's independence and supporting the long-term direction of the organization. The breadth of expertise and international perspective represented on the Board reflects IBFD's global mission and its continued commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of international taxation.