Paul R. Jolles studied at the Universities of Bern, Lausanne and Harvard, where he received his doctorate. From 1943 he was a collaborator of the Swiss federal administration, initially in the Federal Political Department (today FDFA), then in the Department of Economic Affairs. From 1957 to 1961 Paul R. Jolles was deputy general director of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. In 1961 Paul R. Jolles returned to Bern as a delegate of the Federal Council for trade agreements. From 1966 to 1984 Paul R. Jolles was director of the Federal Office for Foreign Trade. Paul R. Jolles was also President of the Kunsthalle Bern. After retiring from civil service, he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nestlé Group and private lecturer at the University of Bern. Paul R. Jolles chairs the Foundation’s Board from 1991 to 1994.