Jakob Kellenberger is a Swiss diplomat, born the October 19th 1944 with Heiden in the canton from Appenzell Rhodos-External. It chairs the International committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

After having carried out its schooling with Arbon, it made studies of literature to Madrid. He is arts doctor of the Université of Zurich. He is doctor honoris causa of the Université of Basle.

Jakob Kellenberger entered in 1974 to the service of the federal Département of the Foreign affairs. It occupies of the stations in the embassies with Madrid, Brussels (near the European Communities) and London. Of 1984 with 1992, he is chief of the office of the European integration of the Confédération. Of 1990 with 1992, it takes part in the negotiations on the European Economic space (EEE). In 1992, it is named secretary of foreign affairs. Of 1994 with 1998, he is negotiator as a chief of the bilateral agreements between the Suisse and the European Union. In 2000, it is named president of the International committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).