BBC News
By Jonathan Josephs & Natalie Sherman
Business reporters, BBC News
image captionCritics say Mr Cormann has an "atrocious" record on climate change
Mathias Cormann, Australia's longtime former finance minister, is set to take over as chief of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Mr Cormann, a centre-right politician, had faced opposition stemming from his record on climate change.
He tried to abolish Australia's renewable energy targets and has called carbon pricing a "very expensive hoax".
Sweden's Cecilia Malmström was also vying to lead the group, which includes 37 of the world's biggest economies.
The Paris-based OECD, which helps develop and coordinate policies among its members, is expected to finalise Mr Cormann's selection next week. He would serve a five-year term starting in June.