IMF Appoints Harvard Professor Gita Gopinath As Chief Economist

The International Monetary Fund appointed a Harvard University professor Gita Gopinath as its chief economist.

Gopinath is set to replace Maurice Obstfeld, as the Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF's Research Department. Obstfeld announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018.

"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." Currently, Gopinath serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University. She has a Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University. She is the co-editor of the American Economic Review, and the current Handbook of International Economics with former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff.

Gopinath has penned some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial crises, monetary policy, debt, and emerging market crises.

The Indian-born economist is also the co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).