Since the World Trade Organization's decisions are made by member states, either through a Ministerial Conference or through the General Council, the director-general has little power over matters of policy – the role is primarily advisory and managerial in nature.

[3] On February 5, 2021, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria secured the support of the United States for Director-General of the WTO.

Before the formation of the WTO, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) had a series of directors-general.

[5] In May 2020, Director-General Azevedo announced that he would step down on 31 August 2020, a year before his mandate was due to expire.

[8] General Council Chair David Walker initiated a process of consultation with members from 7 September 2020 onwards, through which the field of candidates was gradually reduced until an appointment was to be made.