In a notable shift from global economic policymaking to academia, Gita Gopinath has officially stepped down from her role as First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The distinguished economist will be returning to Harvard University, where she previously held a tenured professorship. Gopinath’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter at the IMF, where she played a pivotal role in guiding the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing complex macroeconomic challenges.