NEW DELHI: India-born economist Gita Gopinath on Monday named as chief economist of International Monetary Fund, according to an IMF statement.
She is the second Indian economist to be appointed as IMF chief economist after Raghuram Rajan, who later served as Reserve Bank Governor.
Gopinath will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who would retire at the end of 2018, the IMF said.
She currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.
Earlier in 2016, her appointment as financial advisor to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had generated controversy as some communist leaders questioned the CPM-led state government for roping in a person who was more into market economy and liberal policies.
“Gopinath 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. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel