Gita Gopinath new IMF chief economist

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Gita Gopinath as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s Research Department, according to a press release.

Gopinath will succeed Maurice Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018, the press release issued on the IMF website said.

“Gita 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.

“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,” she added.

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

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

She was born and grew up in India. She is a US citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India, the release added.