Gita Gopinath to be IMF's new first deputy managing director

Gopinath had been scheduled to return to her academic position at Harvard University in January 2022.

“Especially given that the pandemic has led to an increase in the scale and scope of the macroeconomic challenges facing our member countries, I believe that Gita—universally recognized as one of the world’s leading macroeconomists—has precisely the expertise that we need for the FDMD role at this point. Indeed, her particular skill set—combined with her years of experience at the Fund as chief economist—make her uniquely well qualified. She is the right person at the right time,” Georgieva said in a statement.

Georgieva noted that Gopinath’s contribution to the Fund’s work has already been exceptional, especially her “intellectual leadership in helping the global economy and the Fund to navigate the twists and turns of the worst economic crisis of our lives.” She also said that Gopinath—the first female chief economist in IMF history—has garnered respect and admiration across our member countries and the institution, with a proven track record in leading analytically rigorous work on a broad range of issues.”

On her new appointment, Gopinath said: “I am honoured and humbled to become the IMF’s next FDMD. Over the past three years I have had the opportunity to experience first-hand and be a part of the hugely important work done by the IMF at the intersection of rigorous economic analysis and public policy. It has been so gratifying to see the positive impact of our work on economies and on the lives of so many people worldwide. As the pandemic continues its grip on us, the work of the Fund has never been more critical and international cooperation never more important."

Gopinath, who is a US national and overseas citizen of India, will start in her new position as FDMD on January 21, 2022.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)