The development comes after IMF in a statement confirmed that Gita Gopinath will succeed Maurice Obstfeld as IMF Chief Economist. (Image source: https://scholar.harvard.edu/gopinath/home)

It’s a big proud moment for India!

In a major development, Gita Gopinath has been appointed as Chief Economist of International Monetary Fund (IMF). Gopinath was born and grew up in India. She is a U.S citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India. The development comes after IMF in a statement confirmed that Gita Gopinath will succeed Maurice Obstfeld as IMF Chief Economist. Also, according to news agency ANI, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde appoints Harvard’s Gita Gopinath as IMF Chief Economist, replacing Maury Obstfeld who will retire from IMF in December.

IMF’s statement: –

According to a press release by International Monetary Fund (IMF), “Managing Director Christine Lagarde appointed Gita Gopinath on Monday as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF’s Research Department. Gopinath will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who announced in July that he would retire at the end of 2018. Ms. Gopinath currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.”

“Gita is one of the world’s outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience,” Lagarde said. Moreover, she 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.”

According to the information available on Harvard University’s website, “Gita Gopinath is the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics at Harvard University.” “Before coming to Harvard, she was an assistant professor of economics at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business,” the information adds.

According to the CV (available on Harvard University’s website) of Gita Gopinath:-

-She studied B.A. Economics (Honors) at Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College (1989-92)

-During 1992-94, she studied Masters in Economics at Delhi School of Economics

-She joined the University of Chicago in 2001 as an Assistant Professor before moving to Harvard in 2005.

-She became a tenured Professor there in 2010.