Harvard Professor Gita Gopinath Appointed Chief Economist at IMF

Gita Gopinath has been appointed as the new chief economist of the International Monetary Fund.

(Photo Courtesy: Manoj Gupta/Twitter)

India-born economist Gita Gopinath has been appointed as the chief economist of International Monetary Fund, the IMF said in a statement.

Gopinath will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who would retire at the end of 2018, the IMF said.

She currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

“Gopinath is one of the world’s outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience,” IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said.

She also added: "All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our Research Department at this important juncture. I am delighted to name such a talented figure as our Chief Economist."

Gopinath did her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a BA from the University of Delhi and MA. degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington.

She is also the co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

Gopinath co-edited the current Handbook of International Economics with Former IMF Economic Counsellor Kenneth Rogoff and has authored some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial crises, monetary policy, debt, and emerging market crises.