📈 IMF Economic Counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas to Step Down

Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas will conclude his tenure as the IMF’s Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department, effective July 1, 2026. He is set to return to academia at the University of California, Berkeley, after serving since 2022. • Key Contributions: Gourinchas led the Fund’s analytical work during a period of high global uncertainty, focusing on the pandemic aftermath, global inflation surges, and geopolitical tensions. • Impact on Policy & Publications: Under his leadership, the Research Department produced flagship reports including the World Economic Outlook and the External Sector Report. These are critical for emerging economies like Sri Lanka to gauge global spillovers and macroeconomic risks. • Innovation & Tools: He advanced analytical frameworks on geo-economic fragmentation and global imbalances. Notable initiatives launched during his term include the AI Preparedness Index and the Structural Reforms Impact Tool, designed to help member nations navigate modern economic shifts. • Strategic Influence: His recent work included developing economic impact scenarios regarding the conflict in the Middle East, which informed high-level policy discussions during the 2026 Spring Meetings. The search for a successor will begin shortly to ensure continuity in the IMF’s surveillance and program work, which remains vital for nations undergoing debt restructuring and economic stabilization.