What do you do when you’re the No. 2 at the IMF and could literally influence global money moves? You quit. And go back to teaching. Yes, Gita Gopinath just pulled the most iconic academic flex ever.
She’s not just another economist. Gita joined the IMF in 2019 as its first-ever female Chief Economist, then got promoted to Deputy Managing Director in 2022, becoming the Fund’s second-in-command.
She has been helping the world navigate economic shocks like: COVID-19,
Ukraine war and rising global debt and inflation. And her “Pandemic Plan” literally became a global playbook on vaccinations and economic recovery.
Now, in August 2025, she’s stepping down, a year before her 5-year term at the IMF ends.
But this wasn’t a push. It was her decision. Why? On 1st September, she’s rejoining Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics.
So, where did it all begin?
In 1992, Gita Gopinath graduated from Lady Shri Ram College, and was a Delhi University topper.
In 1994 she completed her Master’s from Delhi School of Economics.
In 2001, she had a PhD from Princeton, mentored by former US Federal Reserve Chied Ben Bernanke & noted economist Ken Rogoff.
And in 2005, Gita started teaching at Harvard, becoming a top voice in international finance and macroeconomics.
Now, as she leaves the IMF, Gita’s not retiring. She’s just switching arenas. Basically: from influencing world leaders to mentoring the next ones.
