Who is Gita Gopinath, first female Chief Economist in IMF history?

Gita Gopinath, an influential Indian-American economist who has announced her resignation as the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will return to academia by rejoining Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics starting September 1, 2025.

In a post on X, Gopinath said: “After nearly 7 amazing years at the IMF, I have decided to return to my academic roots.” Her departure from the IMF is scheduled for end-August, over a year before her official tenure ends.

After nearly 7 amazing years at the IMF, I have decided to return to my academic roots. On September 1, 2025, I will rejoin @HarvardEcon as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. I am truly grateful for my time at @IMFnews, first as Chief Economist and then…

— Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) July 21, 2025

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva acknowledged her exit with gratitude: “First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath will leave the IMF at the end of August to return to Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. I am deeply grateful for her exceptional contributions to the Fund.”

Also Read: Gita Gopinath quits IMF to rejoin Harvard Economics Faculty

A trailblazing career at the IMF

Gopinath joined the IMF in 2019 as Chief Economist, becoming the first woman to hold that position. In January 2022, she was elevated to the role of First Deputy Managing Director, making her the second-highest-ranking official at the Fund.

According to an official IMF statement: “International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva announced today that Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD), would be leaving the Fund at the end of August to return to Harvard University.”

Her resignation opens up the possibility for a new appointment to the post, which US President Donald Trump is expected to fill—giving him an opportunity to shape leadership at the global crisis lender.

Academic journey and previous roles

Born in Kolkata in 1971, Gopinath pursued her undergraduate studies at Delhi University, followed by a degree in economics from the Delhi School of Economics. She went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Washington and completed her PhD in Economics at Princeton University.

Before her career at the IMF, Gopinath held key academic roles:

• John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics at Harvard University (2005–2022)
• Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business (2001–2005)

Her research has focused on international finance, exchange rates, and global trade dynamics, earning her global recognition and citations in economic policymaking.

Looking ahead

Gopinath’s return to Harvard marks a new chapter, yet her influence on global economic policy is bound to persist. Her nearly seven-year stint at the IMF was marked by navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary shocks, and geopolitical tensions affecting global markets.

The IMF is expected to name her successor “in due course.”