Gita Gopinath, the first female chief economist in IMF history to leave in August, she is quitting because…

Gita Gopinath leaves IMF: In a significant development for global economy, Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will be stepping down from her role in August 2025. The IMF First Deputy Managing Director has indicated that she will be leaving IMF so as to return to academia at Harvard University. Here are all the details you need to know about Gita Gopinath and why she has decided to step down.

The recent development about Gopinath’s departure has been confirmed by the IMF’s Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and it is also being said that a successor to the prestigious post will be named “in due course.”

When did Gita Gopinath join IMF?

Gopinath first joined the IMF in 2019 as Chief Economist, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Her leadership during a time of extraordinary global economic upheaval, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting macroeconomic disruptions, was widely recognised.

Gita used to served as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University before joining IMF as the First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD). The IMF played a key role in shaping the global economic response to crises under her leadership. The most impactful moments during her tenure includes the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain shocks, debt distress in developing countries, and climate finance challenges.

In January 2022, she was promoted to First Deputy Managing Director, the Fund’s No. 2 position. In a post on X, Gopinath reflected on her nearly seven-year tenure at the Fund and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at one of the world’s foremost financial institutions.

Why Gita Gopinath is leaving IMF?

“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 as First Deputy Managing Director,” Gita Gopinath wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

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