NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, DC, July 21, 2025: Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will step down from her role at the end of August to return to academia at Harvard University, the IMF announced on Monday.
Gopinath, a trailblazing Indian American economist, first joined the IMF in January 2019 as Chief Economist—the first woman ever to hold that position. In January 2022, she was elevated to the post of First Deputy Managing Director, becoming the second-highest-ranking official at the global financial institution.
In a statement, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Gopinath’s contributions during a tumultuous period for the global economy.
“Gita’s intellect and leadership were crucial as the Fund navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and growing concerns over inflation and debt distress,” Georgieva said. “She brought fresh energy and deep insight into the IMF’s work and leaves behind a legacy of excellence.”
During her tenure, Gopinath played a pivotal role in shaping the IMF’s policy responses to overlapping global crises. She helped guide member countries through economic recovery efforts, advocated for targeted fiscal spending to support vulnerable populations, and was a vocal proponent of international cooperation in vaccine distribution and debt relief.
In her own statement, Gopinath said she made the decision to return to Harvard to pursue her academic passions. “It has been an extraordinary honor to serve at the IMF during such a critical period. I’m proud of what we have achieved together, but I look forward to returning to research and teaching,” she said.
She will rejoin Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics starting September 1.
Gopinath was previously the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard before taking leave for her IMF roles. A native of Mysuru, India, she earned her PhD from Princeton University and is widely recognized for her scholarly work on international finance and macroeconomics.
The IMF has not yet announced who will succeed her in the role.
