Zhu Min, a special consultant of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) president, will be appointed an IMF vice-president on July 26, Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday, citing IMF's spokesman David Hawley.

Zhu will become the fourth vice-president, an additional position that new IMF president Christine Lagarde proposed on July 12. Previously the IMF had only three vice-presidents.

Hawley proposed American senior officer David Lipton as the first vice president, taking the position of John Lipsky, who will retire in August 31.

Lagarde said at Zhu's nomination speech that Zhu had great experience in the government, international policy making and financial market and was highly skilled in management and communication.