Gita Gopinath is set to wrap up her responsibilities as the First Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund by late August 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter in her global economic leadership.

She is set to return to Harvard University, transitioning from global policymaking back to academia to continue her work as a professor of economics.

Her decision to step down, reportedly self-initiated, came as an unexpected move for many within the organization.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Gopinath’s leadership during critical global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic turmoil triggered by the war in Ukraine.

During her tenure, Gopinath led major IMF work on global fiscal and monetary policies, debt strategies, and international trade analysis.  Her exit gives the U.S. Treasury, which traditionally recommends candidates for her role, a chance to nominate a successor.

Grateful for the "once in a lifetime opportunity," Gopinath said she looks forward to advancing research and training future economists.