Today: 4 August 2025
3 December 2021
2 mins read

Gita Gopinath to take on new role at IMF

Gopinath’s new appointment was unexpected as she said in October that she had planned to return to Harvard University in January 2022….reports Asian Lite News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that Gita Gopinath, currently chief economist of the IMF, is set to succeed Geoffrey Okamoto as the institution’s First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD) early next year.

“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 … has precisely the expertise that we need for the FDMD role at this point,” Xinhua news agency quoted IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva as saying.

“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.

Georgieva also noted that some realignment in the roles and responsibilities of the IMF’s senior management team is being undertaken. In particular, the FDMD will take the lead on surveillance and related policies, oversee research and flagship publications and help foster the highest quality standards for Fund publications.

Gopinath, a US national and overseas citizen of India, will start in her new position as FDMD on January 21, 2022, according to the IMF.

Prior to joining the IMF as chief economist in early 2019, Gopinath was the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics in the economics department of Harvard University.

“I am honoured and humbled to become the IMF’s next FDMD,” Gita said in a statement. “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’s new appointment was unexpected as she said in October that she had planned to return to Harvard University in January 2022.

Okamoto, who was appointed FDMD of the IMF in March 2020, plans to leave the IMF and return to the private sector early next year, according to the IMF.

“It’s been a privilege to be entrusted with leading the IMF during a period of crisis and an honour to serve alongside the world’s best minds tackling the world’s most complex economic issues,” Okamoto said.

ALSO READ: Pak trade balance worsens

Previous Story

Kuwait PM Kuwait’s armed forces prepared for any emergency

Next Story

Iran Firm on Terms at Vienna Talks

Latest from -Top News

US Mulls Terror Tag for Muslim Brotherhood

The US’ plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group comes after a bipartisan bill was introduced by Republican Congressman…reports Asian Lite News The US is once again edging closer

Hamas Sets Terms For Disarmament

HAMAS: ‘The resistance and its weapons will not be abandoned until our full national rights are restored, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state’ Hamas affirmed

Statehood For Palestine

Analysts see the general move as a deliberate push to revive a stagnant peace process long controlled by Israel, Hamas and the United States, all of whom, they say, have shown little

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Israel-Hamas War Affects Economy, Says IMF Chief

Chief said the International Monetary Fund was “very closely monitoring

Shehbaz: All IMF conditions met to revive loan deal

The Pakistan Prime Minister lamented that the coalition government was