IMF has a new chief economist: Gita Gopinath, who currently serves as John Zwaanstra professor of international studies and economics at Harvard University. She will take over for Maurice Obstfeld when he retires at the end of 2018.
Gopinath is co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research International Finance and Macroeconomics Program. She is also co-editor of the current “Handbook of International Economics” with former IMF Economic Counsellor Kenneth Rogoff.
“Gita is one of the world’s outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience … All this makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our Research Department at this important juncture,” said IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in a news release.