FRANKFURT, Oct 8, 2008 (AFP) - The European Central Bank announced four changes Wednesday among its senior directors, with the new managers taking over in the midst of unprecedented financial turmoil.

The ECB's director general of research, Lucrezia Reichlin, had resigned from her post on September 15, a statement said, and was replaced by Frank Smets as of that date.

Georges Pineau, meanwhile, would become the bank's permanent representative in Washington, taking up that key post, which includes observer status at the International Monetary Fund, on November 1.

The previous ECB representative to Washington, Johannes de Beaufort Wijnholds, would retire the same day, the statement said.

Ton Roos was named as banknote director effective November 1, while Werner Studener is to become director of internal finance on March 1 2009, it added.

Roos would replace Antti Heinonen, who will assume other responsibilities within the ECB.